Record-breaking high temperatures in Shimla and Kalpa despite Cold Wave forecast
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 16,
In an unusual weather event, Shimla and Kalpa recorded unseasonably high temperatures on Monday, December 16, 2024, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted an extreme cold wave in the coming days. Shimla registered a maximum temperature of 21.0°C, marking the second-highest December temperature since 2017, when the record stood at 21.3°C. Kalpa also recorded its second-highest maximum temperature for December at 18.9°C, narrowly missing its all-time high of 19.0°C, set in 1991.
Over the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh witnessed dry weather across the state. Minimum temperatures remained steady, varying with altitude. In mid-hill regions, temperatures hovered near normal, while higher altitudes saw them rise 2-3°C above normal.
Conversely, the plains and lower hills experienced colder-than-usual nights, with minimum temperatures dipping 2-4°C below normal.
The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Solan at 24.7°C, while the coldest spot was Tabo, where the mercury plunged to -10.6°C.
Fog and cold wave conditions were reported in parts of the state, with light fog observed in Bilaspur and severe cold wave conditions gripping Hamirpur and Una. Bilaspur experienced moderate cold wave conditions. Despite the current temperature anomalies, the IMD has warned of an intensifying cold wave over the next five days, especially in the plains and lower hills. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to remain stable for the next 48 hours but may drop by 2-3°C in the following days.
The weather across the state is expected to remain predominantly dry over the next week. Residents are advised to prepare for severe cold wave conditions, especially as temperatures are likely to dip further, intensifying the winter chill in the days ahead.
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