Shimla: The cold wave has gripped Himachal Pradesh following rain and snowfall, with residents in the lower hills and plains facing dense fog and freezing conditions.
While the weather cleared on Friday (January 17, 2025), challenges persisted as 10 locations across the state recorded sub-zero temperatures. The snowfall disrupted vehicular movement in several regions, with bus services halted on many routes in upper Shimla.
The districts of Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti continue to face hardships due to the severe weather.
Heavy snowfall has left nearly 145 roads blocked in Kullu and Lahaul districts, with some areas also experiencing power outages. The National Highway-3 beyond Solang Valley and National Highway-305 near Ghiagi remain closed.
Yellow alert issued until January 19
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a yellow alert, warning of cold wave conditions and dense fog in lower hills and plains until January 19.
Starting January 18, the weather is expected to deteriorate again, with predictions of rain and snow on January 19, 21, and 22. Light precipitation is likely on January 18, 20 and 21, attributed to an active western disturbance.
Fog reduces visibility in Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh
In the industrial belt of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh, light rainfall on Thursday night worsened the chill, and dense fog enveloped the area on Friday morning, reducing visibility.
In the last 24 hours, snowfall was recorded in several areas: Kothi (24 cm), Gondla (11 cm), Moorang (10 cm), Jot (7 cm), Kalpa (6.7 cm), Pooh (4.5 cm), Sangla (4.2 cm) and Keylong (4 cm). Meanwhile, cold wave conditions were reported in Una, Hamirpur, Barthin and Kangra.
Minimum temperatures across key locations
Shimla: 2.8°C, Sundernagar: 1.7°C, Bhuntar: -0.2°C, Kalpa: -6.2°C, Dharamshala: 4.8°C, Una: 1.4°C, Nahan: 6.3°C, Manali: -2.1°C, Kangra: 3°C, Mandi: 4.7°C, Bilaspur: 5.9°C, Hamirpur: 2°C, Dalhousie: 0.4°C, Kufri: 0.2°C, Kukumseri: -12.2°C, Narkanda: -1.5°C, Bharmour: -2.8°C, Reckong Peo: -2.3°C, Seobagh: -1°C, Dhaulakuan: 5.8°C, Barthin: 4°C, Kasauli: 4.1°C, Sarahan: 3.7°C, Dehra Gopipur: 7°C, Tabo: -13.5°C and Bajaura: -0.4°C.
