Shimla, Dec 29,
Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing a severe winter with a diverse range of weather conditions. Heavy snowfall has blanketed many regions, with Kalpa leading with 14.9 cm, followed by Kufri at 14.5 cm and Pooh at 12.0 cm. Moderate snowfall was recorded in Moorang, Khadrala, and Sangla, while Keylong received 8.0 cm and Kukumseri experienced a lighter snowfall of 1.6 cm.
Widespread rainfall has also impacted the state, with Barari witnessing the heaviest rainfall at 41.6 mm. Significant rainfall was recorded in Mehre Barsar (38.0 mm), Palampur (35.0 mm), Chamba (30.5 mm), Dharamshala (28.6 mm), Kangra (26.0 mm), and Jogindernagar (26.0 mm). Thunderstorms added to the dramatic weather, sweeping through Kangra, Palampur, Shimla, and Sundernagar. Foggy conditions reduced visibility in Bilaspur and Sundernagar, while shallow fog was reported in Mandi.
Temperatures across the state vary significantly. Manali emerged as the coldest with a minimum temperature of -0.2°C, followed by Shimla at 3.4°C. Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Kangra also experienced low temperatures. Mandi recorded the highest temperature among major stations at 7.9°C. Cold wave conditions are widespread, with severe cold day warnings issued for Chamba, Manali, Mandi, Kalpa, and Sundernagar. Cold day conditions are impacting Kangra, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur.
The forecast predicts the continuation of cold wave conditions with isolated instances of light precipitation over the next seven days. Dense fog is expected to persist around the Bhakra Dam reservoir and Balh Valley.
Meanwhile IMD has predicted two upcoming western disturbances from January 1 to 6, 2025, are expected to bring further snowfall and significantly colder temperatures to the region.
