Cold wave grips plains; IMD issues rain-snow alert
Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: A fresh spell of snow in Himachal Pradesh’s higher reaches over the past 24 hours has intensified the chill across the state, even as the capital Shimla remained deprived of snow, leaving residents and tourists disappointed yet again.
Intermittent snowfall was reported from areas of Lahaul-Spiti, including Udaipur, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum, Shinkula and Baralacha, signalling a change in weather but offering little relief to mid and lower hills.
Snowfall in high passes, rain forecast elsewhere
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that snowfall may continue in the higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Chamba districts, while light rain is likely in parts of Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Mandi. A yellow alert has been issued for rain and snowfall in several pockets.
Following precipitation in the mountains, the weather office has also sounded a cold wave warning for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur and Kullu districts, while dense fog is expected in parts of Mandi.
Temperatures plunge across the state
The shift in weather has led to a sharp dip in temperatures. Over the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature fell by an average of 4.7 degrees Celsius, pushing the state’s mean maximum to 1.4 degrees below normal.
Una recorded the steepest drop, with the mercury plunging by 10.6 degrees to settle at 13.4°C. Berthin saw a fall of 8.7 degrees to 14.6°C, Hamirpur dropped 8.2 degrees to 16.1°C, Shimla cooled by 4.2 degrees to 15.4°C, while Solan slipped 7 degrees to 19.5°C.
Dry December, brief relief ahead
Despite the recent change, Himachal has endured an exceptionally dry winter so far. December passed with almost no rain, recording a staggering 99% deficit. Between December 1 and 30, the state received just 0.2 mm of rainfall against a normal average of 36.2 mm, with Lahaul-Spiti being the lone district to record marginal precipitation. November, too, witnessed a 96% rainfall deficit.
According to the IMD, light to moderate rain and snowfall may persist in higher and mid-altitude areas over the next day, after which the weather is expected to clear for two days. Another round of light snowfall is likely in higher reaches on January 5 and 6, offering cautious hope to snow-starved regions — though Shimla may still have to wait for nature’s mercy.
