Himachal Pradesh Experiences Intensifying Cold Wave with Dry Weather

Current Weather Conditions in Himachal Pradesh

Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: The state of Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing dry weather recently, while a cold wave has been intensifying across various regions. Although there hasn't been a significant change in minimum temperatures in the higher altitudes, the mid-hill and lower hill areas, including the plains, have seen a decrease of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, resulting in some plain districts being colder than Shimla, the state capital.

Forecast and Expected Weather Changes

The weather remains predominantly clear across the state, with no rain or snowfall anticipated in the next two days. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has indicated that dry conditions are expected to continue in most regions until then. However, a new spell of rain and snowfall is predicted just before Christmas.

Light rain and snowfall are expected in the higher elevations on December 20 and 21. Isolated areas in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts may experience light precipitation, which could further lower temperatures and exacerbate the cold wave. Conversely, the lower hills and plains are likely to remain dry, disappointing farmers and orchardists.

Temperature Records Across the State

Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti has recorded the lowest temperature in the state at -5.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Tabo at -3 degrees Celsius. In contrast, Shimla has a comparatively higher minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius.

Other recorded minimum temperatures include Sundernagar at 3.4°C, Bhuntar at 2.8°C, Kalpa at 1.8°C, Dharamshala at 10°C, Una at 7°C, Nahan at 10.3°C, Palampur at 6°C, Solan at 4°C, Manali at 4.5°C, Kangra at 5°C, Mandi at 5.6°C, Bilaspur at 6°C, Hamirpur at 4.7°C, Jubbarhatti at 10.4°C, Kufri at 9.7°C, Narkanda at 6.5°C, Rekong Peo at 3.9°C, Seobag at 0.8°C, Berthin at 5.6°C, Paonta Sahib at 9°C, Sarahan at 5.6°C, Dehra Gopipur at 9.0°C, Neri at 10.2°C, and Bajaura at 2.9°C.

Fog Alerts and Safety Precautions

The Meteorological department has also issued warnings regarding dense fog in certain areas of the state. An alert has been raised for December 17 and 18 for regions surrounding the Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur district and the Balh valley in Mandi district. Dense fog is expected during the early morning and late-night hours, prompting motorists to exercise caution while driving.