Unusual winter dryness continues in Himachal, IMD reports above-normal night temperatures
Photo source; Internet
Shimla, Dec 15,
Himachal Pradesh continued to reel under an extended winter dry spell, with no snowfall or rainfall reported anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours, even as minimum temperatures stayed above normal at several locations.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions remained largely dry with partly cloudy skies overnight in many regions. Minimum temperatures showed no significant change at most stations but were recorded between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal average at several places, slightly easing the severity of cold conditions, particularly in mid and lower hill areas.
The coldest place in the state remained Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti district, where the mercury dipped to minus 5.7 degrees Celsius. However, other typically cold stations such as Keylong, Kaza and Barmaur also remained dry, highlighting the unusual persistence of dry winter conditions across the western Himalayan belt.
IMD data confirmed that not a single station in Himachal Pradesh recorded snowfall or rainfall during the last 24 hours. While day temperatures in mid and lower hill districts rose marginally by two to three degrees Celsius, high-altitude areas witnessed no notable change in daytime readings.
Despite seasonal expectations, the high reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kullu districts remained snowless till morning, raising concerns over delayed winter precipitation and its potential impact on water availability and agriculture in the coming months.
Meanwhile, several key mountain roads continue to remain closed or partially functional due to winter conditions. The strategic Rohtang Pass–Sarchu stretch on National Highway-03 remains shut for through traffic. While the Gramphu–Rohtang Pass section is closed, the Gramphu–Koksar stretch is open only for light motor vehicles. The Atal Tunnel North Portal to Darcha road remains operational, but the crucial Darcha–Sarchu segment continues to be closed under District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) orders.
Connectivity on the Darcha–Shinkula route remains limited, with movement permitted exclusively for 4×4 vehicles due to icy and difficult terrain. The Sumdo–Kaza–Gramphu (NH-505) lifeline road is partially open, with the Sumdo to Lossar stretch ensuring basic winter access to Spiti valley. However, the Lossar–Batal and Gramphu–Batal sections remain completely closed, cutting off the traditional Manali–Spiti summer route.
In Lahaul’s Udaipur subdivision, the Sansari–Killar–Tindi–Tandi (SKTT) road continues to remain open, including the Tandi–Kadhu Nallah stretch, providing the only dependable surface connectivity for the region during winter months.
Meteorological officials indicated that the dry spell may continue in the immediate term, though residents and authorities remain watchful for any western disturbance that could bring much-needed snowfall to the higher reaches of the state.
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