Himachal Pradesh snowfall forecast: Western Disturbance approaching from December 5 onwards

Solang valley, Manali (file photo)

Residents and travellers in Himachal Pradesh are advised to prepare for a sharp deterioration in conditions later this week, with the state’s meteorological department forecasting rain, snow and dense fog that threaten to intensify the winter chill and disrupt transport.

The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a specific alert for light rain and snowfall in the mid and high hills of the state this Thursday and Friday. This change is attributed to a fresh, albeit weak, Western Disturbance approaching the Western Himalayan region from December 5 onwards.

The impending weather shift is expected to “increase the intensity of the severe cold over the state,” according to scientist Sandeep at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla. A significant hazard accompanying the freeze is the formation of treacherous “black ice” on roadways, which authorities warn is already causing problems for motorists.

Preceding this cold snap, the department has also issued a yellow warning for dense fog. This is predicted to envelop areas around the Bhakra Dam reservoir in Bilaspur district during late-night hours, as well as parts of the Balh Valley in Mandi district, from Monday through Wednesday.

The forecast follows a period of predominantly dry weather across much of the state, though the higher reaches have already been in the grip of a severe cold wave. In the past 24 hours, night temperatures in tribal and high-altitude areas plunged below freezing.

According to the Met office, Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest recorded spot, registering a bitter minimum of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius on Monday. Kukumseri followed closely at minus 3.8 degrees.

The chill was widespread, with 26 towns across Himachal recording minimums below 10 degrees Celsius. Major tourist hubs like Manali (6.3 degrees Celsius), Dharamshala (7.1 degrees Celsius) and the state capital Shimla (9.0 degrees Celsius) all experienced a crisp start to the day. In stark contrast, Una in the lower hills was the warmest location during daylight hours on Sunday, reaching a high of 25.2 degrees Celsius.

This upcoming bout of winter weather continues an unusually active post-monsoon season for Himachal Pradesh. Data from the Shimla Met centre reveals that from October 1 to November 30, the state received 69.5 mm of rainfall against a normal average of 44.8 mm — an excess of 55 per cent.

While the hills brace for snow and ice, the forecast indicates that weather in other parts of the state is likely to remain mostly dry until at least December 7. Nevertheless, the clear weekend skies are set to give way to a period of heightened winter severity, prompting warnings for residents and travellers to exercise extreme caution on the roads and to prepare for significantly colder conditions.