IMD Issues Orange alert for Cold Wave to Severe Cold Wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh -

Shimla, Dec 18,

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, with these conditions expected to persist over parts of the lower hills and plains for the next seven days.

Pertinent to mention that this warning follows only a couple of days after Shimla and Kalpa recorded unseasonably high temperatures (Dec 16). Shimla registered a maximum 21.0°C, marking the second-highest December temperature since 2017, and Kalpa recorded its second-highest maximum for December 18.9°C, narrowly missing its all-time high of 19.0°C, set in 1991.

As per the IMD media communique Cold wave conditions have been prevailing in various districts since early December, with minimum temperatures significantly below normal in several regions.

Mandi district has been experiencing these conditions since December 4, Una since December 5, Hamirpur since December 6, Bilaspur since December 9, Kangra since December 10, and Chamba since December 13.

Also read: Record-breaking high temperatures in Shimla and Kalpa despite Cold Wave forecast

At present, minimum temperatures range between -1°C to -7°C in the high hills, 1°C to 5°C in the mid-hills, and 1°C to 3°C in the lower hills and plains, with some areas experiencing temperatures 2°C to 3°C below normal.

The IMD stated that a western disturbance, a trough in the lower and middle tropospheric westerlies, is influencing the weather. The disturbance is expected to move east-northeastwards, while an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan continues to affect the region. Additionally, the subtropical westerly jet stream with winds up to 125 knots at 12.6 km above sea level is likely to persist for the next few days, maintaining the cold conditions across North India, they added.

The forecast for the coming days predicts no significant change in temperatures over the next 24 hours, with a gradual decrease of 2-3°C expected in some areas over the next three days.

Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to continue at a few places in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Mandi districts, with isolated pockets in Chamba and Kangra districts experiencing cold wave conditions, they informed.

Adding that, ground frost is expected at isolated locations over Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba districts, especially during late night to morning hours for the next five days.

Additionally, moderate to dense fog is expected over the Bhakra Dam area in Bilaspur and shallow to moderate fog over parts of the Balh Valley and Hamirpur district during late night and early morning.

Light snowfall is likely at isolated places in Lahaul-Spiti, higher reaches of Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kullu districts until the morning of December 19, with most other areas expected to remain dry.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including wearing warm clothing and avoiding exposure during the coldest hours, while motorists should remain cautious due to the foggy conditions that may reduce visibility on the roads, cautioned the IMD media communique.

Himachalscape bureau

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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.

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