Himachal on high alert as IMD warns of severe cold wave conditions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning of cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in the lower hills and plains. These extreme weather conditions are expected to persist for the next seven days.
Interestingly, this warning comes just days after Shimla and Kalpa experienced unusually warm December temperatures on December 16. Shimla recorded 21.0°C, its second-highest December temperature since 2017, while Kalpa hit 18.9°C, narrowly missing its all-time December high of 19.0°C recorded in 1991.
The IMD reports that cold wave conditions have gripped various districts since early December, with Mandi feeling the chill from December 4, Una from December 5, Hamirpur from December 6, Bilaspur from December 9, Kangra from December 10, and Chamba from December 13. Currently, minimum temperatures range from -1°C to -7°C in the high hills, 1°C to 5°C in the mid-hills, and 1°C to 3°C in the lower hills and plains, with many regions recording temperatures 2°C to 3°C below normal.
These conditions are being driven by a western disturbance, a trough in the westerlies, and an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan. A subtropical westerly jet stream, with winds up to 125 knots at an altitude of 12.6 km, is expected to sustain the cold weather over North India for the next few days.
The forecast indicates no major change in temperatures in the next 24 hours, though a further dip of 2-3°C is likely over the next three days. Severe cold wave conditions are expected in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Mandi, with pockets in Chamba and Kangra also affected.
Frost is likely in parts of Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba during the late-night and early morning hours over the next five days. Dense fog is expected around the Bhakra Dam area in Bilaspur, while moderate fog may occur in the Balh Valley and Hamirpur.
Meanwhile, light snowfall is predicted in higher regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kullu until December 19, while most other areas will remain dry.
The IMD has advised residents to take precautions, including wearing warm clothing and limiting outdoor activities during the coldest hours. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously, especially in foggy conditions where visibility may be significantly reduced.
