Himachal Pradesh Experiences Cold Wave and Fresh Snowfall
Severe Cold Wave Hits Himachal Pradesh
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA
On January 6, 2026, early morning snowfall at the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, and nearby Solang Nullah heightened the cold wave conditions throughout Himachal Pradesh, causing temperatures to drop further and intensifying the winter chill in both mountainous and lowland regions.
Light to moderate snowfall was observed in Solang Nullah and around the south portal of the Atal Tunnel, resulting in slippery roads. In response, authorities limited the movement of regular vehicles beyond Solang Nullah, permitting only four-wheel-drive vehicles to traverse the tunnel towards Lahaul.
Despite these restrictions, a significant number of tourists flocked to Solang Nullah to relish the fresh snow and picturesque winter landscape. Traffic congestion extended to Nehru Kund due to vehicle limitations, but normal traffic flow resumed later in the day as weather conditions improved.
Several vehicles were temporarily stranded near Dhoondi amid the snowfall, prompting police and local officials to assist travelers and manage traffic. Authorities urged tourists to heed traffic advisories and refrain from unnecessary travel in snow-affected areas.
Tabo Records Coldest Night of the Season
Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti sees season’s coldest night
The cold wave has tightened its hold across the state, with tribal regions experiencing extremely low temperatures. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the coldest night of the season, with temperatures plummeting to minus 10.8 degrees Celsius. Kukumseri reported minus 7.1 degrees, while Keylong, Kalpa, and other elevated areas remained below freezing.
In the lower hills and plains, nighttime temperatures dropped significantly, creating bitterly cold conditions. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius, while other towns such as Solan, Palampur, Sundernagar, and Mandi hovered near freezing. However, bright sunshine during the day offered some relief in the state capital and surrounding areas.
Dense Fog Affects Visibility
Dense fog disrupts visibility in plains
Dense fog continued to impact several low-lying districts, including Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur, significantly reducing visibility during morning and evening hours. In Bangana, Una district, a serious road accident was narrowly avoided when a Scorpio vehicle skidded on a sharp curve and crashed into a roadside wall due to poor visibility. Fortunately, all five passengers escaped unharmed as the airbags deployed effectively.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecasted the possibility of light snowfall in isolated higher areas over the next 24 hours, followed by generally clear weather across the state from January 7 to 12. However, cold wave conditions are expected to persist due to icy winds.
A yellow alert for dense fog during morning and evening hours has been issued for seven districts—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur—until January 10. The Met office has also cautioned that minimum temperatures may drop by another 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours before gradually rising in the following days.