TNR News Network
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh has begun to feel the full force of winter as icy winds tighten their grip across the state. Several regions are already in the midst of an intensified cold wave.
In Tabo, located in Lahaul-Spiti district, temperatures plunged to -6.8°C, marking one of the season’s lowest readings so far. Except for Paonta Sahib, almost every part of the state recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, signalling the arrival of harsher days ahead.
Yellow alert issued for dense fog in plains
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog over the plains until November 28, warning of reduced visibility and potential travel disruptions. Shimla continues to shiver as nighttime temperatures fall steadily, while places such as Sundernagar, Mandi and Bilaspur reported heavy fog early Wednesday (November 26, 2025) morning, worsening the morning chill.
Across the state, the temperature varied sharply, underscoring the deepening cold spell. Shimla registered 6.6°C, Sundernagar 3°C, Bhuntar 2.4°C, Kalpa 0.4°C, Dharamshala 7.3°C, Una 6.8°C, Nahan 9.9°C, Palampur 4.5°C and Solan 2.6°C. Manali shivered at 1.1°C, Kangra at 5.7°C, Mandi at 5.6°C and Hamirpur at 4.9°C.
Higher reaches continued to freeze, with temperature in Kukumseri dipping to -4.5°C and Seobagh touching 1°C. Several other areas, including Rekong Peo, Sarahan, Dehra Gopipur and Bajoura, reported temperatures between 2°C and 9°C.
State expected to witness clear skies until December 2
According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, the state is expected to witness clear skies until December 2, with no likelihood of rain or snowfall during this period. Temperatures are projected to remain relatively steady, with maximum temperatures possibly rising by 2-3°C. However, dense fog is expected to persist in the Bhakra Dam region of Bilaspur until November 28, while light to moderate fog may continue in parts of Mandi, especially the Balh Valley.
In higher-altitude regions, winter has already begun to affect road connectivity. The Gramphu-Losar stretch of National Highway 505 has been officially closed from Tuesday, halting vehicle movement through Gramphu-Kunzum Pass-Losar. This closure means travellers and locals heading toward Kaza via Manali, Atal Tunnel, and Losar will now have to wait until April or May next year for the route to reopen. The decision follows increasing instances of black ice formation, making the road unsafe.
The administration acted on recommendations from the BRO, which declared the route risky for all vehicles.
Additional routes in the Lahaul region, including stretches of the Manali-Leh Highway, had already been shut due to worsening winter conditions. Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhardana has urged tourists to follow safety advisories strictly, emphasising that no vehicle movement will be allowed on the closed Gramphu-Losar route.
