Delhi fog hits flights to Himachal tourist hotspots Kullu, Shimla, Dharamshala
The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with disruptions in air services, primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions. While the state itself is not significantly affected by smog, the prevailing smog in Delhi and other neighboring areas is causing delays and cancellations in flights.
Flights connecting Delhi to Shimla and Dharamshala are experiencing delays ranging from one to one and a half hours due to smog affecting departure points. The flight between Shimla and Amritsar, scheduled three times a week, had to be cancelled due to heavy smog in Amritsar. The last two flights on this route were also cancelled, with the looming possibility of further cancellations on Saturday. Notably, this route operates from Delhi, which complicates matters as Delhi too is grappling with smog-related issues. The flight from Delhi to Kullu had to be cancelled today due to low visibility caused by fog in Kullu and Delhi.
Meanwhile, the daytime temperatures in the state are soaring during the winter season. Several places, including Shimla, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Kalpa and Dharamshala, are experiencing maximum temperatures significantly above normal. Shimla, for instance, recorded a maximum temperature of 17.5 degrees Celsius, which is 5.7 degrees above the normal range. Similar deviations were observed in other regions, raising concerns about the unseasonably warm weather.
Conversely, the minimum temperatures in most places remain close to normal. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius, while Bhuntar dropped to zero degrees. Kalpa registered a minimum of 1 degree Celsius, Dharamshala recorded 7.2 degrees, Una noted 2 degrees and Dalhousie reported 5.5 degrees. The coldest spot was Kukumseri, recording a bone-chilling -9.4 degrees Celsius.
In light of the fluctuating weather conditions, the Meteorological Department hasn’t predicted any possibility of snowfall in the state on New Year’s Day. Instead, an active western disturbance is expected to bring light rain and snowfall to some areas on December 30. However, the weather is anticipated to clear up afterward, providing relief from the disruptions to air services and unusual temperature patterns. Travellers are advised to stay updated with airlines and weather forecasts for the latest information on their flights and travel plans.
