Rain, Snowfall Likely in Himachal’s Higher Reaches as Western Disturbance Activates

Light cloud hovering over the sky since Thursday night brings hope of having first major spell of rain and snowfall on few places of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday in the state, India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday.

Fresh snowfall was reported from upper areas of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, leading to a sharp dip in night temperatures and worsening cold conditions for local residents. According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.1 degrees Celsius, while Tabo in Spiti valley recorded minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.

These sub-zero temperatures have significantly intensified the cold wave in the region. In contrast, Shimla recorded an unusually high minimum temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius, the highest in 34 years. The previous comparable high minimum (highest night) temperature was recorded 13.4 degrees on December 17, 1991.

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall at few places in the high hill areas on December 20 and 21 due to the activation of a western disturbance. Districts likely to be affected include Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and upper reaches of Kullu and Mandi. Farmers and apple growers have welcomed the forecast, as prolonged dry conditions have adversely affected crops and orchards in many parts of the state.

Meanwhile, dense fog continues to disrupt normal life in the plains and lower hill districts, particularly Bilaspur and parts of Mandi. Reduced visibility during morning and evening hours has slowed vehicular movement, with traffic crawling at several stretches. A yellow alert for dense fog has been issued for Friday and Saturday in areas around reservoirs and low-lying regions.

The Met Department has indicated that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures in the lower and mid-hill areas over the next 48 hours, while temperatures in the higher hills are expected to drop further by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Clear weather is likely to prevail across the state from December 22 to 25, bringing temporary relief from adverse conditions.