Cold Waves Grip Himachal: Plains Colder than Shimla-Manali
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is reeling under an intense cold wave, with the plains experiencing severe chills that surpass even the cold conditions of Shimla and Manali. Regions like Una, Sundernagar, and Barthin have recorded sub-zero nighttime temperatures, disrupting daily life as residents grapple with freezing conditions.
According to the Shimla Meteorological Center, five districts in Himachal Pradesh recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures on Wednesday, while several other regions hovered close to the freezing point. Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, and Una districts witnessed the coldest temperatures, with Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recording a bone-chilling -10.7°C. Other notable temperatures include:
- Kukumseri: -6.2°C
- Kalpa (Kinnaur): -1.4°C
- Barthin (Bilaspur): -0.9°C
- Una: -0.6°C
- Sundernagar (Mandi): -0.1°C
In other regions, temperatures remained slightly above freezing:
- Solan: 0.5°C
- Bhuntar: 0.4°C
- Hamirpur: 0.1°C
- Dharamshala & Sarahan: 4°C
The average minimum temperature in the state has dropped 3.5°C below normal, making this cold spell harsher than usual.
Snowfall Forecast for Five Districts
The Meteorological Department has predicted light snowfall in Himachal’s high-altitude areas over the next 24 hours, particularly in districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra. While the rest of the state is expected to remain dry, snowfall in these regions may further intensify the cold.
From December 13 to 17, the weather across the state is forecasted to remain clear, offering some respite to residents. However, in snowfall-affected areas, the cold is expected to worsen.
Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautions as temperatures continue to plummet, and those in high-altitude regions should prepare for potential snowfall.