Cold wave alert, clear weather till January 13
Pallavi Sharma
Shimla
The cold wave continues to sweep across Himachal Pradesh, with Solan recording a lower minimum temperature than Shimla, sending a clear signal of intensifying winter conditions across the state. While Shimla recorded a minimum of 1.5°C, Solan dipped to -1.1°C, making it colder than the state capital.
As per weather data, temperature dropped below zero at nine locations, while at two places it hovered around the freezing point. The coldest was Tabo at -9.4°C, followed closely by Kukumsheri at -9.2°C, Kalpa at -5.2°C, Narkanda at -2.9°C and Reckong Peo at -2°C.
Other low readings included Manali (-1.4°C), Kufri (-1.3°C) and Seobagh (-0.5°C). Even mid and lower hill regions reported biting cold, with minimum temperatures staying below 10°C across the state.
Snowfall, fog add to chill
Recent snowfall at Rohtang, Solang Nullah and Pangi has further intensified the cold wave, especially in tribal areas. Dense fog was reported in Bilaspur, moderate fog in Paonta Sahib, and light fog in Una, affecting morning visibility.
Despite the chill, bright sunshine was seen in Shimla and several other parts of the state on Wednesday, offering slight relief during the day.
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has forecast clear weather across Himachal till January 13. However, a yellow alert for dense fog has been issued for parts of Bilaspur, Una, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur during morning and evening hours till January 11.
A yellow alert for cold wave conditions has also been issued for some areas on January 7 and 8. Officials said there would be no major change in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours, after which a gradual rise of 2–4°C is likely over the next few days.
Day temperature also below zero in Tabo
In a rare phenomenon, Tabo recorded a sub-zero maximum temperature on Tuesday, with the mercury settling at minus 0.1°C. Day temperatures elsewhere remained low but stable, with Shimla at 12.4°C, Manali at 9.8°C, Kalpa at 6.4°C, Dharamshala at 17.1°C, and Solan at 18.5°C.
Meanwhile, the falling water level in the Ravi river has led to the suspension of power generation at two hydroelectric projects in Chamba’s Holi, officials said.
