Severe Winter Conditions Grip Himachal Pradesh with Fresh Snowfall

Winter's Arrival in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures as fresh snowfall blankets the higher altitudes, leading to 15 locations recording minimum temperatures below 5°C, with three areas plunging into sub-zero conditions.

The sudden temperature decline follows a clear Saturday morning, as moisture from the previous night dissipated.

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog during early morning and late-night hours in certain low-lying and mid-hill areas, urging drivers to be cautious. The cold is particularly intense in the interior valleys, where cold northwesterly winds are sweeping through after the snowfall.

A remarkable sight was observed near Saptadhara in Lahaul, where a broken pipeline caused water to flow over a tree, freezing mid-air and creating natural icicles.

Sub-Zero Temperatures Recorded

Mercury below zero at Kukumseri, Tabo and Kalpa

Kukumseri recorded the lowest temperature at -5.6°C, followed by Tabo at -4.4°C and Kalpa at -0.6°C. Other towns also faced chilly conditions:

• Manali (1.1°C), Bhuntar (1.5°C), Sundernagar (2.0°C), Solan (3.0°C), Hamirpur (3.2°C), Mandi (3.1°C), Kangra (4.4°C), Palampur (5.0°C), and Una (5.9°C) all experienced single-digit minimums.

• Shimla, relatively warmer, recorded 8.6°C, while Nahan was the warmest at 10.3°C.

Throughout most of the state, night temperatures remained below 10°C, amplifying the chill.

Forecast of More Snow

Another spell of snow forecast as western disturbance approaches

The weather department anticipates light rain and snow at several high-altitude locations on Sunday due to an active western disturbance. Snowflakes were reported late Friday evening at Baralacha Pass, Tanglang La, and Shinkula, adding to the cold wave affecting the valleys.

Despite the recent snowfall, the Manali-Leh highway remains operational, facilitating vehicle movement, which is a relief for both residents and transporters.

While the tourism sector hopes for widespread snowfall to attract winter visitors, farmers in Lahaul and Spiti are concerned as they await sufficient rain to commence wheat and pea sowing, which has been delayed due to ongoing dry conditions. With sub-zero temperatures in Tabo, Kukumseri, and Keylong, and freezing nights elsewhere, agricultural activities have come to a standstill.