A severe cold wave continued to hold Himachal Pradesh in its icy grip on Sunday, with the remote station of Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti district recording the state's lowest temperature at a bone-chilling -10.8 degrees Celsius. The intense cold conditions affected vast areas, bringing life to a near standstill in the higher reaches.
Mercury Plummets Across Districts
Data from the Shimla Meteorological Centre painted a stark picture of the freeze. Out of 36 weather stations monitored across the state, a significant seven stations recorded minimum temperatures at or below the freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius. Following Kukumseri, Tabo in Lahaul Spiti was the second coldest at -6.7 degrees Celsius, while Kalpa in Kinnaur district registered -2 degrees Celsius.
The cold was not confined to the high-altitude regions alone. Several mid-hill and low-lying areas also experienced near-freezing conditions. Bhuntar in Kullu recorded a minimum of -0.1 degrees Celsius, while Solan shivered at exactly 0 degrees. Other notable readings included Reckong Peo and Bajaura at 0.1°C each, Sundernagar at 1°C, Hamirpur at 1.1°C, Kangra at 2°C, Mandi at 2.1°C, and Bilaspur at 2.5°C.
Tourist Hotspots Turn Frosty
Popular tourist destinations were not spared from the harsh weather. Manali emerged as the coldest among major tourist towns, with the mercury dropping to -1.1 degrees Celsius. Palampur recorded a minimum of 0°C. The state capital, Shimla, witnessed a low of 3.5°C, and the nearby resort of Kufri was slightly colder at 4.6°C.
In addition to the low temperatures, dense morning and evening fog severely disrupted normal life in many areas. Low-lying regions in Mandi and Bilaspur districts remained particularly engulfed in thick fog, reducing visibility and impacting road transport.
Dry Spell to Continue
The weather department has predicted that the current dry weather conditions are likely to persist across Himachal Pradesh. According to the forecast, no significant change is expected until at least January 17. Residents and authorities have been advised to take necessary precautions against the cold wave, especially in vulnerable and high-altitude areas.
The persistent cold and foggy conditions have heightened concerns for the homeless, daily wage workers, and travelers. Local administrations are on alert, and people are relying on traditional methods and heating appliances to stay warm as the state endures this intense winter spell.
