Shimla, Jan 6,
Himachal Pradesh experienced a mix of weather conditions on January 6, with light snowfall restricted to higher altitudes in Lahaul-Spiti and minimal rainfall in the lower regions. The MET department, which had initially forecast widespread precipitation, later revised its outlook to isolated areas, highlighting the complexities of predicting weather in the region’s challenging terrain.
Fresh snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti caused disruptions in traffic and led to the closure of multiple roads. Key routes like Darcha to Shinkunla and Darcha to Sarchu (NH-003) remain shut and are expected to reopen only in the summer of 2025. Similarly, the routes from Koksar to Manali via Rohtang Pass and Koksar to Lossar via Kunzum Top are closed due to heavy snow accumulation. Meanwhile, roads such as Keylong to Darcha, Keylong to Atal Tunnel, and Lossar to Kaza (NH-505) are operational but restricted to 4×4 vehicles or vehicles equipped with snow chains, owing to slippery conditions and black ice. The Tandi to Udaipur and Udaipur to Tindi routes remain open under partly cloudy conditions.
Temperatures across the state varied significantly, with Keylong recording the lowest minimum temperature at -2.5°C. Other locations reported moderate conditions, including Shimla at 5.0°C (2.1°C above normal), Sundernagar at -0.5°C, Bhuntar at 1.1°C, Dharamshala at 6.5°C, and Kalpa at 1.0°C. Manali recorded 5.9°C, which was 6.8°C above normal, while Kufri dropped to 1.2°C, significantly below normal by 6.2°C. Una reported 1 mm of rainfall, while Hansa received 5 cm of snow, and trace amounts were recorded in Keylong and Gondla.
Visibility was affected in some regions, with dense fog reducing it to 50 meters in Bilaspur, while Sundernagar and Mandi experienced shallow fog, limiting visibility to 800 meters. Despite localized snowfall and fog, the state experienced warmer-than-usual conditions, with average minimum temperatures 3.3°C above normal. The limited snowfall and its impact on transportation underline the importance of continuous monitoring of weather patterns in the region.
