Overcast skies draped much of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, plunging temperatures and crowning a remote village as the state's coldest location. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla reported that Kukumseri in the Lahaul-Spiti district endured the most severe chill.
Mercury Plummets in High-Altitude Regions
According to the detailed weather bulletin, Kukumseri recorded a minimum temperature of a biting -4.7 degrees Celsius, securing the top position on the cold chart. It was closely followed by Tabo, which also experienced a severe freeze at -4.2 degrees Celsius. These readings highlight the intense winter conditions prevailing in the high-altitude areas of the state.
Tourist Hotspots Experience Milder Nights
In contrast to the freezing temperatures in Lahaul-Spiti, popular tourist destinations across Himachal Pradesh witnessed relatively warmer and more comfortable nights. The data reveals a significant variation:
- Manali registered a minimum temperature of 6.2°C.
- Palampur recorded 7.5°C.
- Dharamshala saw 8.8°C.
- The state capital, Shimla, noted 9.8°C.
- Kufri was at 10.1°C.
Meanwhile, Solan and Kangra emerged as the warmest places in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, with each location recording a maximum daytime temperature of 21°C.
Forecast Predicts Snowfall and Rain
The weather department has issued a forecast indicating a change in conditions. Light snowfall and rainfall are expected across various parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 20 and 21. This anticipated weather activity could lead to a further drop in temperatures and potentially affect travel plans, especially in the higher reaches.
The sharp contrast between the sub-zero temperatures in the interior regions and the milder climate in the tourist hubs underscores the diverse weather patterns within the hill state. Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts from the Shimla Meteorological Centre.
