Cold Wave Hits Himachal Pradesh; IMD Issues Snow and Rain Alerts

Cold Wave Affects Plains; IMD Warns of Rain and Snow

Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: A new wave of snowfall in the higher elevations of Himachal Pradesh over the last 24 hours has heightened the chill throughout the state, while the capital, Shimla, remains without snow, disappointing both locals and visitors.

Intermittent snowfall has been observed in regions such as Lahaul-Spiti, including Udaipur, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum, Shinkula, and Baralacha, indicating a shift in weather conditions but providing little respite for the mid and lower hills.

Snowfall in High Passes, Rain Expected Elsewhere

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that snowfall may persist in the higher areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Chamba districts, while light rain is anticipated in parts of Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi. A yellow alert has been issued for rain and snowfall in various regions.

In light of the precipitation in the mountains, the weather office has also issued a cold wave warning for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, and Kullu districts, with dense fog expected in parts of Mandi.

Temperature Drops Across the State

This change in weather has resulted in a significant drop in temperatures. Over the past day, the maximum temperature decreased by an average of 4.7 degrees Celsius, bringing the state’s mean maximum temperature to 1.4 degrees below normal.

Una experienced the most drastic decline, with temperatures falling by 10.6 degrees to reach 13.4°C. Berthin saw a decrease of 8.7 degrees to 14.6°C, Hamirpur dropped 8.2 degrees to 16.1°C, Shimla cooled by 4.2 degrees to 15.4°C, and Solan fell by 7 degrees to 19.5°C.

Dry December, Brief Relief Ahead

Despite the recent weather changes, Himachal Pradesh has faced an unusually dry winter thus far. December concluded with nearly no rainfall, recording a staggering 99% deficit. From December 1 to 30, the state received only 0.2 mm of rain compared to a normal average of 36.2 mm, with Lahaul-Spiti being the only district to see minimal precipitation. November also experienced a 96% rainfall deficit.

According to the IMD, light to moderate rain and snowfall may continue in higher and mid-altitude areas over the next day, after which the weather is expected to clear for two days. Another round of light snowfall is anticipated in the higher elevations on January 5 and 6, providing cautious optimism for snow-deprived areas, although Shimla may still have to wait for favorable conditions.