Cloud cover, fog disrupt normal life
Pallavi Sharma
Shimla: The weather is expected to take a turn in Himachal Pradesh as rain and snowfall have been predicted across seven middle and high hill districts over the next two days. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has attributed the change to an active western disturbance.
Shimla and several adjoining areas woke up to intermittent sunshine under a blanket of clouds on Saturday (December 20, 2025), while a noticeable dip was recorded in daytime temperatures across the state. Dense fog prevailed in many plains, including Nahan and Una, sharply reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to commuters.
The impact was also felt on air travel. An IndiGo flight scheduled to arrive from Delhi to Kangra airport around 9.30 am was cancelled due to poor visibility in the national capital. As a result, several passengers bound for Kangra were stranded in Delhi. Later in the day, one flight each from Delhi and Chandigarh managed to land at the Kangra airport.
Temperatures to fall further
Minimum temperatures were recorded as low as -5.7°C in Kukumseri, while Tabo reported -2.9°C. Shimla logged a night temperature of 11.8°C, Dharamshala 7.8°C, Manali 5.4°C and Una 5.5°C.
Weather officials said minimum temperatures in higher reaches could drop by another 2-4°C in the next 24 hours, with a gradual decline of 3-6°C likely over the following days. Maximum temperatures are also expected to fall by 3-7°C later this week.
Rain, snow alert in seven districts
According to the Met office, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts may witness rain and snowfall on December 20 and 21. Clear weather is forecast from December 22 to 26. A yellow alert for dense fog has been issued for parts of the Bhakra dam reservoir area in Bilaspur and sections of Balh valley in Mandi during early morning and late-night hours on December 23 and 24.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall in higher reaches has intensified cold conditions, particularly in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, triggering a seasonal migration of the Gaddi community. With harsh winter setting in, several families have begun moving towards the plains with their sheep and goats.
