Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh witnessed dry weather conditions over the past day even as the cold wave continued to intensify across several regions. While there was no significant change in minimum temperatures in the higher reaches, the mid-hill areas and lower hills, including the plains, recorded a drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, making some plain districts colder than the state capital, Shimla.
The weather across the state remains largely clear, and no rain or snowfall is expected over the next two days. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, dry conditions are likely to persist in most parts of the state till then. However, the department has predicted a fresh spell of rain and snowfall ahead of Christmas.
Light rain and snowfall are likely in the higher reaches on December 20 and 21. Isolated places in the high-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts may witness light precipitation, which could further bring down temperatures and intensify the cold wave. Lower hills and plains, however, are expected to remain dry, leaving farmers and orchardists disappointed.
Meanwhile, Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti remained the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of -5.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Tabo at -3 degrees Celsius. Shimla recorded a comparatively higher minimum of 11.4 degrees Celsius.
Other minimum temperatures recorded were Sundernagar 3.4°C, Bhuntar 2.8°C, Kalpa 1.8°C, Dharamshala 10°C, Una 7°C, Nahan 10.3°C, Palampur 6°C, Solan 4°C, Manali 4.5°C, Kangra 5°C, Mandi 5.6°C, Bilaspur 6°C, Hamirpur 4.7°C, Jubbarhatti 10.4°C, Kufri 9.7°C, Narkanda 6.5°C, Rekong Peo 3.9°C, Seobag 0.8°C, Berthin 5.6°C, Paonta Sahib 9°C, Sarahan 5.6°C, Dehra Gopipur 9.0°C, Neri 10.2°C and Bajaura 2.9°C.
The Met department has also issued a warning of dense fog in parts of the state. An alert has been issued for December 17 and 18 for areas around the Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur district and the Balh valley in Mandi district. Dense fog is likely during morning and late-night hours, and motorists have been advised to drive with caution.
