Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is in the grip of an intense cold wave following recent snowfall and rain. The minimum temperature in Tabo plummeted to a record low of -17.3°C on Tuesday, marking one of the coldest days of the season.
While cities like Shimla and Manali saw slight relief in temperature on the last day of 2024, areas with significant snowfall remain frozen, with sub-zero temperatures prevailing.
The state is expected to experience clear weather on New Year’s Day, with sunshine predicted across most regions. However, the respite will be short-lived as a fresh western disturbance is set to become active from January 2.
The meteorological department has issued a heavy snowfall and rainfall alert for January 5 and 6, with widespread precipitation expected in various parts of the state.
Dense fog in plains, roads blocked in some parts
Dense fog continues to disrupt life in the plains, including Una, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and parts of Mandi, where a yellow alert for fog during mornings and evenings remains in effect until January 2.
Meanwhile, 138 roads are still blocked in snowbound areas like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti. This includes two highways and eight local roads in Kullu, along with 130 roads in Lahaul. Efforts to restore vehicular movement in these regions are ongoing.
Manali has reported 60 non-functional power transformers, leaving residents in the cold. On Wednesday, cloudy skies dominated Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, with light snow reported at higher altitudes, including Rohtang Pass. Severe cold wave conditions persisted in areas like Jalori Pass, Solang Valley, and the Lahaul Valley.
Minimum temperatures drop below freezing point in many parts
The biting cold is reflected in the sub-zero temperatures recorded across several areas, which include Tabo -17.3°C, Kukumseri -12.3°C, Samdo -12.6°C, Keylong -8.3°C and Kalpa -3.6°C.
Cold wave grips northern plains
The cold wave extended its reach to the northern plains, with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi experiencing severe chill.
The India Meteorological Department predicts that the upcoming week could bring fresh rain and snowfall in hill states, with the plains likely to experience rain between January 4 and 6.
