Residents and tourists in Himachal Pradesh woke up to a notably chilly Wednesday as temperatures plummeted across various regions, despite clear skies dominating the day. The sharp decline in mercury levels has caught many by surprise, with the Meteorological Centre in Shimla issuing forecasts that include anticipated light rain and snow for February 6.
Record Low Temperatures Across the State
According to the latest data from the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, Kukumseri in the Lahaul-Spiti district registered the coldest minimum temperature of -12.2°C, highlighting the severe cold conditions in high-altitude areas. Other locations also experienced significant drops:
- Tabo recorded a minimum of -8.8°C
- Kalpa saw temperatures fall to -5.2°C
- Seobagh reported 1.5°C
- Solan measured 2°C
- Bhuntar registered 2.6°C
- Sundernagar noted 3.5°C
- Kangra experienced 4.5°C
- Mandi recorded 5.5°C
- Una had a minimum of 6.4°C
Tourist Destinations Feel the Chill
Popular tourist spots were not spared from the cold wave. Manali emerged as the coldest among these destinations with a minimum temperature of -0.5°C. Shimla followed closely with 3.6°C, while Dharamshala recorded 4.6°C and Palampur 6°C. In contrast, Una stood out with the highest maximum temperature of 24.2°C, showcasing the temperature variations across the state.
Weather Forecast and Upcoming Conditions
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has predicted light rain and snow in parts of the mid and high hills specifically on February 6. For February 5, 7, and 8, dry weather conditions are expected to prevail, providing some respite from the precipitation. However, there is a possibility of snow and rain returning on February 9 and 10, indicating fluctuating weather patterns in the coming days.
This temperature drop and the forecasted weather changes underscore the dynamic climatic conditions in Himachal Pradesh, affecting daily life, agriculture, and tourism in the region. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather alerts and take necessary precautions during this period.
