Shimla, Jan 16,
As dark clouds blanket the skies of Himachal Pradesh, the state’s iconic winter charm has returned with fresh snowfall across higher altitudes. Shimla, Kufri, and Narkanda woke up to a fresh coat of light to moderate snow, sending temperatures plummeting and marking the arrival of intense cold wave conditions.
“Light to moderate snowfall continue in middle to higher reaches of the Subdivision Kumarsein in Shimla,” stated a District administration official. Adding, ” Approximately 1 to 3 inch fresh snowfall in Narkanda and adjoining region. Lower region of sub Division receiving intermittent light rain.
Talking about road conditions in Shimla district they informed that NH05 blocked in Narkanda area. …Traffic diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri/ Sunni and Machinery 2 JCBs have been deployed with 1 Dozer for road clearence.
They also added that light to moderate snowfall has been occurred in Chharabra to Kufri – Fagu area. The snowfall is still continue road may be slippery at present, they added.
Key regions such as Gondla, Khoksar, and Kothi have reported significant snowfall, with 12.0 cm, 8.8 cm, and 7.5 cm respectively. Light snowfall has also been observed in Shimla, Kukumseri, and Sangla. The snow-covered roads have disrupted traffic and made travel challenging, especially in high-altitude areas like Keylong and Narkanda.
Rainfall has also impacted several parts of the state. Significant rainfall was recorded at Saloni (10.2 mm), Kotkhai (5.2 mm), Manali (5.0 mm), and other stations, with moderate precipitation contributing to slippery roads and low visibility. Sundernagar reported moderate fog, reducing visibility to 400 meters, while Mandi experienced shallow fog with visibility at 500 meters. Thunderstorms, however, have been absent across the state during this period.
Temperatures have dropped sharply, with Tabo recording the lowest minimum temperature at -11.6°C, while Una experienced the highest maximum temperature at 24.2°C. Keylong reported a severe minimum of -5.5°C, while Kalpa registered -2.0°C. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6°C, which is 1.5°C below normal, and Kufri experienced -1.4°C. Other notable low temperatures include Jubberhatti at 5.0°C, Dalhousie at 0.9°C, and Kukumseri at -3.6°C.
The cold wave has affected districts like Una, where the minimum temperature was 3.2°C. Bhuntar recorded 2.7°C, Dharamshala 5.3°C, and Manali 1.2°C. Palampur, Kangra, Mandi, and Hamirpur also reported low temperatures.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast continued snowfall in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba, with light to moderate snowfall expected in Shimla, Kufri, and Narkanda. Rainfall is likely to persist in districts such as Mandi, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, and Kangra, with a cold wave gripping most parts of the state.
District administrations have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in snow-prone areas, and take precautions to protect crops, livestock, and themselves from frost and extreme cold. With visibility remaining low and slippery conditions on roads, travelers are urged to exercise caution and follow updates from weather and disaster management authorities.
As Himachal Pradesh embraces its signature winter allure, the snow-covered peaks and frosty mornings serve as a reminder of both the beauty and challenges of life in this mountainous state. Residents are urged to stay updated with official weather reports and prioritize safety during this season of snow and rain.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated.
