Dense fog disrupts normal life in 3 districts
TNR NEWS NETWORK
Shimla: The weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are set to change, with the Meteorological Department forecasting rain and snowfall in several parts of the state over the next two days. The state capital Shimla and adjoining areas remained under a thick cloud cover since morning on Thursday (December 18, 2025), indicating an approaching spell of unsettled weather.
Temperatures continue to dip across the hill state. Minimum temperatures at as many as 24 locations have fallen below the 10°C mark. High-altitude regions such as Tabo and Kukumseri recorded sub-zero temperatures, while light fog was reported from parts of Mandi district.
Poor visibility affects vehicular movement
Dense fog has adversely affected normal life in Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Mandi districts. Poor visibility during early morning and evening hours, especially in low-lying areas and around reservoirs, has slowed vehicular movement, forcing drivers to crawl along highways.
The Met office has issued a yellow alert, warning of continued foggy conditions in reservoir-adjacent districts on December 18 and 19.
Amid fluctuating weather patterns, Dharamshala witnessed an unusual spike in temperatures, breaking a long-standing December record. On Wednesday, the town recorded a maximum temperature of 26°C — the highest ever for December — surpassing the previous record of 25.4°C set in 2010.
Planes record lower temperature than Shimla
Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 9.8°C, Sundernagar 5.5°C, Bhuntar 5.2°C, Kalpa 4°C, Dharamshala 8.8°C, Una 7.2°C, Nahan 9°C, Palampur 7.5°C, Solan 6°C, Manali 6.2°C, Kangra 8.4°C, Mandi 6.7°C, Bilaspur 6.9°C and Hamirpur 6.4°C. Jubbarhatti and Kufri hovered just above 10°C, while Kukumseri and Tabo recorded -4.7°C and -4.3°C respectively.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, a fresh western disturbance has developed as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and adjoining areas at around 3.1 km above sea level. Its impact is likely to trigger rain and snowfall in several parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 20 and 21. Isolated higher reaches may also witness light precipitation today. Weather conditions are expected to improve, with clear skies returning across the state from December 22 onwards.
