Himachal Set for Early Winter Chill: Snowfall, Fog, and Travel Warnings Ahead
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a sharper winter turn next week, with the Meteorological Centre Shimla forecasting fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and light rain in the mid-hills as a new Western Disturbance approaches. The advisory marks the end of a prolonged dry spell and the start of a more active winter phase.
What’s Coming
- Weather to stay mostly dry until December 4.
- From December 5, upper and mid-hill regions may see light snow or rain as the system deepens.
- A trough in the middle troposphere is expected to intensify the disturbance.
Current Chill
- Tabo in Lahaul–Spiti recorded a freezing –7°C, the coldest spot in the state so far.
- Minimum temperatures across districts are 2–3°C below normal, while daytime highs range between 11°C and 29°C depending on altitude.
Fog and Visibility Concerns
- Dense fog has already settled near the Bhakra Dam reservoir in Bilaspur and across the Balh valley in Mandi.
- Motorists have been advised to use fog lamps and drive cautiously during early mornings and late nights.
Travel Advisory
With the disturbance expected to strengthen, residents in Lahaul–Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba have been urged to prepare for:
- Slippery roads
- Possible communication outages
- Disruptions in essential service routes
Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable areas where early-season snowfall often restricts mobility. The Met office will issue further updates on the system’s intensity and spread in the coming days.
