Shimla, Dec 8
A chilling cold wave has intensified across Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures plummeting close to subzero levels. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Tabo in the Lahaul-Spiti district recorded the lowest temperature of the season at minus 13.5 degrees Celsius.
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The state is bracing for its first significant snowfall within the next 24 hours, even as the mercury continues to drop.
Shimla experienced a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, which is 3.5 degrees below normal. Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have dipped by about 2.2 degrees.
Most hill stations are experiencing severe cold, with night temperatures recorded below freezing. Major glacial lakes and streams have also frozen owing to the persistent cold.
Tabo, known for its Buddhist monastery, has emerged as the coldest location in the state, followed by Kullu district’s tourist destination Manali, which recorded a temperature of zero degrees. Keylong logged minus eight degrees, while Kukumseri recorded minus seven degrees, and Kalpa in Kinnaur saw temperatures drop to minus 3.3 degrees.
Other notable temperatures include Kufri at 0.4 degrees, Solan and Barmour (Chamba) at 0.5 degrees, Berthin in Bilaspur at 0.8 degrees, and Una at one degree. Hamirpur recorded two degrees, while Bilaspur and Mandi noted three degrees. Kangra logged four degrees, Dharmshala at 4.9 degrees, and Nahan in Sirmaur at eight degrees.
Morning fog was reported in Mandi district, reducing visibility to 400 meters, while Bilaspur experienced shallow fog with visibility at 800 meters. Additionally, gusty winds in high-altitude areas like Narkanda, Tabo, and Reckon Peo reached speeds of 40.74 kilometers per hour.
The IMD has indicated that a Western Disturbance will affect the state by this afternoon, linked to a trough situated in the middle troposphere. A yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning has also been issued for isolated places throughout the region.
Stay tuned for more updates soon.
