Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
Amid a weather alert issued by the Meteorological Department, changing conditions were witnessed across several parts of Himachal Pradesh, with light snowfall reported in higher reaches, raising hopes among tourists on New Year. Fresh snow was recorded in Lahaul-Spiti, Rohtang Pass and near the south portal of the Atal Tunnel, marking a brief but welcome winter spell in these regions.
The shift in weather also led to a sharp dip in temperatures. Minimum temperatures fell below 5°C at six locations across the state, with Kukumseri emerging as the coldest place, recording a low of minus 3.4°C. Tabo also reported a similar minimum temperature. In contrast, Solan logged the highest maximum temperature at 19.5°C.
With the change in weather, cold wave conditions have begun to intensify in several areas. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has warned of further weather disturbances in the coming days.
According to Sandip Sharma, scientist at the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at several places across the state on January 1. Districts such as Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra and Kullu may witness worsening weather conditions. Light rain or snowfall is also expected at isolated locations on January 2, 5 and 6.
During this period, cold wave conditions may prevail in different parts of the state, while dense fog is likely to blanket low-lying areas during late night and early morning hours. The weather is expected to remain largely clear during the remaining days of the week.
The department has forecast a further fall in minimum temperatures over the next two days. Many parts of the mid and high hill regions may see a drop of 4 to 7°C, while lower hills and plains could witness a decline of 3 to 5°C. After this phase, temperatures are expected to gradually rise by 3 to 5°C. Maximum temperatures are also likely to decrease by around 3 to 5°C in several areas over the next three to four days.
On the temperature chart, Shimla recorded a minimum of 8.7°C, Sundernagar 4.8°C, Bhuntar 5.1°C, Kalpa 2.1°C, Dharamshala 6.8°C, Una and Nahan 7°C each, Palampur 7°C, Solan 5.2°C, Manali 6.7°C and Kangra 7.8°C, among others.
As for daytime temperatures, Shimla recorded a maximum of 15.4°C, Sundernagar 16°C, Dharamshala 17°C, Nahan 17.8°C, Solan 17.5°C, and Kukumseri remained the coldest with a maximum of just 4.2°C.
