Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across Himachal Pradesh After Fresh Snowfall
Shimla, 09 December: After a fresh spell of snowfall in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh, the state experienced a significant dip in temperatures on Tuesday. While the skies cleared, a cold wave took hold, with minimum temperatures plunging below freezing at 15 locations and four others recording temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Center in Shimla has predicted light snowfall in the high mountains on December 12, while the rest of the state will enjoy clear weather until December 16. However, cold wave conditions are expected to persist in the lower hills and plains, prompting the issuance of a yellow alert for this period.
Cold Wave and Dense Fog Across the State
In the past 24 hours, both maximum and minimum temperatures across the state were significantly lower than usual. The minimum temperatures were 4 to 5 degrees Celsius below average in most areas, with some regions experiencing even sharper drops. The maximum temperatures also dropped by 3–4 degrees Celsius, adding to the overall chill.
Key locations saw notable minimum temperatures:
- Shimla: -5.4°C
- Kalpa: -8.1°C
- Kukumseri: -12.7°C
- Tabo: -12.7°C
- Dharamshala: 3.9°C
- Una: 0.4°C
- Nahan: 5.9°C
- Solan: -0.6°C
- Manali: -2.8°C
The maximum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 10.4°C, with Una experiencing the highest at 21.0°C. Other major towns also reported fairly mild temperatures, including Dharamshala at 16.0°C, Solan at 16.5°C, and Mandi at 18.6°C.
Snowfall Disruptions in High Altitudes
The fresh snowfall in Khidki, Kharapathar, and other high-altitude areas of Shimla district led to disruptions in transportation. Snow-covered and slippery roads significantly affected bus services to Chaupal, while the movement on the Kharapathar road remained challenging. Local authorities have urged drivers to exercise extra caution on these snow-laden roads.
Dense Fog and Travel Advisory
The Met Department has also forecast dense fog in the Bhakra Dam reservoir area in Bilaspur and parts of the Balh Valley in Mandi between December 10-12. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys carefully during this period due to the reduced visibility caused by fog.
With continued chilly conditions expected in the coming days, residents in the lower regions should brace themselves for a prolonged cold wave. While clear skies will offer some relief, the state’s weather remains unpredictable, and the chilly spell is likely to persist well into the second week of December.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
