Shimla, Dec 26 (UNI) After a largely dry Christmas across Himachal Pradesh, tourists may enjoy New Year snowfall as the Indian Meteorological Department forecast on Friday has high chances of precipitation in the mid and high reaches of the state, including the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti.
According to the latest weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rain and snowfall are likely to take place at isolated places in mid and higher hills on Friday and again from December 30 to January 1, under the influence of a fresh western disturbance expected to affect the western Himalayan region.
The IMD stated that dry weather prevailed across the state during the past 24 hours, with minimum and maximum temperatures remaining above normal at most stations. However, temperatures in mid and high hills are expected to fall by 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, raising the possibility of cold wave conditions returning after remaining largely absent so far this winter.
Shimla recorded a minimum of seven degrees, Kufri at 6.8 in the Kullu valley, Manali 4.5, and Bhuntar settled at 4.2. Dharamshala remained relatively mild with a night temperature of 9.6, whereas Palampur recorded five.
In mid-hill stations, Solan reported 4.7 degrees and Narkanda 5.4 degrees. High-altitude tribal areas were significantly colder, with Kalpa recording 2.6 degrees, Kukumsheri dropping to minus 2.8 and Tabo emerging as the coldest station in the state at minus 3.8°C.
In the lower hills and plains, Una recorded six degrees, Hamirpur six, Mandi 7.3 and Paonta Sahib a comparatively warmer nine degrees indicating the persistence of mild nights despite the onset of winter. Dense to very dense fog alerts, orange and yellow, have been issued for several low hill and plain districts, particularly along river valleys, during late night and early morning hours.
In Lahaul-Spiti, tourists are currently travelling nearly 100 km to higher locations in search of snow. The district may witness fresh snowfall within the next 24 hours, especially in isolated areas, offering some relief to winter tourism that has so far remained subdued.
Meanwhile, road conditions in Lahaul-Spiti continue to be challenging. As per the district’s daily status report dated December 26, key routes remain closed due to winter conditions. The Gramphu–Rohtang Pass stretch on NH-003 is closed, while Gramphu–Batal and Lossar–Batal roads on NH-505 are also shut.
The Darcha–Sarchu road remains closed, whereas the Darcha–Shinkula route is open only for 4x4 vehicles equipped with snow chains. The Tandi–Kadha Nallah section in Udaipur subdivision is open, and Sumdo–Lossar is accessible, but further movement towards Batal is restricted.
No disruption has been reported in water supply, power, or communication services, and the overall weather in the district remains cloudy. The IMD has advised travellers and tourists to remain updated with weather and road advisories, particularly in tribal and high-altitude regions, as conditions may change rapidly with fresh snowfall spells expected towards the end of the year.
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