In Himachal Pradesh, the prolonged absence of rainfall has led to a continuous increase in the severity of the dry cold. Minimum temperatures are falling rapidly in most parts of the state, and in many places, they have dropped below normal. The situation is even more difficult in the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, where temperatures are being recorded well below freezing point, and natural water sources have frozen.
The cold is not only affecting the hilly areas but also the lower districts. Dense fog has enveloped Bilaspur and Mandi districts. This is making the cold feel even more intense and affecting visibility in the mornings and evenings. Nights in the lower areas have become colder than in the hill station of Shimla.
In Shimla, the minimum temperature recorded last night was 9 degrees Celsius, while in Hamirpur it was 3.9, Mandi 3.7, Kangra 5.4, Palampur 5, Solan 3, Una 5.6, and Dharamshala and Dehra Gopipur 7 degrees Celsius. Among the hill tourist destinations, Manali recorded a minimum temperature of 2.3 degrees, Narkanda 3.4, Kufri 6.2, and Bharmour 6.4 degrees.
The impact of the severe cold is more pronounced in the tribal areas. In Kukumseri of Lahaul-Spiti, the temperature was recorded at -6.3 degrees Celsius, in Tabo at -4.6 degrees, and in Kalpa of Kinnaur at 1 degree. In the last 24 hours, the average minimum temperature in the state has decreased by 0.2 degrees, and it remains 0.3 degrees below normal.
Currently, the weather is clear and sunny throughout the state on Thursday, but dense fog is causing problems for people in Bilaspur and Mandi. The Meteorological Department has predicted dry weather across the state on December 12 and 13. However, a yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in the morning and evening in the lower areas, especially in Bilaspur and Mandi. Following this, clear weather is expected in the plains and mid-mountain regions on December 14, while light snowfall is possible in the higher mountainous areas. Clear weather is also expected across the state on December 15, 16, and 17. With the increase in cold, people are advised to be cautious during the mornings and evenings and to take precautions against fog while travelling.
