Fog advisory hits daily movement in low hills of Himachal
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Dec 25,
Dense to very dense fog is set to disrupt early-morning movement across the low hills and plains of Himachal Pradesh for the next four days, with the Meteorological Centre in Shimla issuing an Orange Alert. The impact of this reduced visibility is expected to be felt most along busy commuter routes in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra’s low-lying pockets, and parts of Mandi and Solan, where thousands depend on highway travel during peak morning hours for work, schooling, and goods movement.
Schools and transport operators brace for disruptions
Local transport operators say that early school vans and long-distance buses remain highly vulnerable as visibility in certain pockets, especially near river basins, can drop to 30 metres or below. This leaves little reaction time for drivers navigating narrow, winding stretches. Some school authorities and bus unions have hinted at adjusting departure schedules to avoid the severe fog window, a precaution increasingly relied upon during mid-winter weeks.
A Split Winter: Fog deepens in lowlands, warmth persists in tourist towns
Interestingly, while the lower regions continue to cool down with a 2–3°C dip in minimum temperatures, the mid and high hills are experiencing a warmer-than-usual winter. Shimla recorded 8°C, Dharamshala 9.8°C and Manali 1.9°C, keeping the chill less intense than what tourists expect in late December. The continued dry spell is also impacting holiday tourism, with hoteliers in Shimla reporting slower enquiries for snow-seeking visitors ahead of the New Year festivities.
In contrast, the tribal belt is firmly in deep winter conditions, as Kukumseri plunged to –6.3°C, followed by Tabo at –4.1°C and Kalpa at –0.2°C. The sharp cold, however, has not been accompanied by heavy snowfall so far.
Key mountain roads still under precautionary closures
Even though skies remain largely clear in Lahaul and Spiti, the district administration continues precautionary travel restrictions. The Gramphoo–Lossar and Darcha–Sarchu stretches of the National Highways remain closed, while select interior routes are open only to 4×4 vehicles fitted with snow chains. Authorities say the risk of black ice formation and sudden weather shifts remains high in such high-altitude corridors.
A glimpse of change around year-end, but nothing widespread yet
A weak Western Disturbance approaching the Western Himalayas around December 27 could bring isolated snowfall over higher reaches closer to New Year’s Eve. However, the Met office clarifies that no widespread rain or snow event is expected at this stage, leaving the seasonal snow prospects for tourist towns still uncertain.
Public advisory remains firm
The Meteorological Department has urged residents, tourists and long-distance travellers to avoid early-morning travel in fog-prone districts, use fog lights while driving, and keep track of changing advisories. As Himachal steps into the peak holiday week, the weather divide persists—dense fog tightening its grip in the low hills while the upper regions wait for winter’s full arrival.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.