Fresh Western Disturbance may bring Snowfall to Himachal’s high reaches from December 5
AI generated Image. Used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Nov 29,
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a sharper winter turn next week, with the Meteorological Centre Shimla warning of fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and light precipitation in the mid-hills as a new Western Disturbance approaches the region. The forecast, issued on Friday, signals the beginning of a more active winter phase after an extended dry spell.
According to the Met Centre, the weather will remain largely dry across the state until December 4. A shift is expected thereafter, as the upper reaches begin to experience light snow under the influence of the incoming system. By December 5, both mid-hill and high-hill areas may witness light rain or snowfall as the disturbance deepens, supported by a trough positioned in the middle tropospheric levels.
The cooler trend has already tightened its hold in several districts. Tabo in Lahaul–Spiti plunged to a bone-chilling minus 7°C, becoming the coldest spot in the state and marking one of the harshest nights of the season so far. Minimum temperatures across numerous stations are running 2–3°C below normal, while maximum temperatures are oscillating between 11°C and 29°C depending on altitude.
The approaching cold phase is also affecting visibility. Dense fog settled over pockets near the Bhakra Dam reservoir in Bilaspur and across the Balh valley in Mandi, prompting advisories for motorists to use fog lamps and drive cautiously during early morning and late-night hours.
With a more potent Western Disturbance heading towards the western Himalayas, the Meteorological Centre expects temperatures to dip further once the system interacts with the local terrain. Residents in high-altitude stretches—especially tribal districts like Lahaul–Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Chamba—have been urged to stay prepared for possible travel disruptions, including slippery roads and brief communication outages.
As the state transitions fully into winter conditions, authorities are also monitoring essential service routes and vulnerable habitations where early-season snowfall often restricts mobility. The next round of updates from the Met office will provide clearer insight into the intensity and spread of the system.
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