A sharp and intense cold wave tightened its grip across Himachal Pradesh on Monday, sending minimum and maximum temperatures tumbling dramatically throughout the mountain state. The remote town of Tabo in the Lahaul-Spiti district emerged as the coldest recorded spot, with the mercury plunging to a bone-chilling -10.2 degrees Celsius.
Statewide Temperature Plunge: Key Locations Affected
According to data released by the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, Tabo's temperature witnessed a significant drop of -4.1 degrees Celsius within just 24 hours. It was not alone in experiencing the deep freeze. Several other locations recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures, painting a picture of widespread cold conditions.
The list of coldest places after Tabo included Kukumseri at -6.7°C, Kalpa at -4.2°C, and Narkanda at -1.5°C. Solan also dipped below freezing to -0.6°C, marking a notable decline. The cold was not confined to high-altitude areas alone, affecting popular tourist destinations as well.
Among major tourist hubs, Palampur recorded the lowest at 0°C. Shimla and Manali both registered a minimum temperature of 2.6°C, while Dharamshala saw 3.4°C and Kasauli 4.4°C. Other notable readings across the state included Seobagh (Kullu) at 0°C, Kufri at 0.4°C, Bhuntar at 2.1°C, and Una and Nahan both at 6.2°C.
Fog and a Seismic Tremor Add to the Day's Events
Adding to the wintry discomfort, dense fog enveloped many parts of the low hill areas, particularly in districts like Mandi and Bilaspur. The fog persisted during the morning and evening hours, reducing visibility and impacting daily life.
In a separate incident on the same day, the Mandi region experienced a mild earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale. The tremor struck at 12:57 pm on Monday afternoon, with its epicentre located near Mandi town at a depth of 5 km. While the quake was felt in the area, no immediate reports of damage or injuries were reported.
Implications for Residents and Tourists
The simultaneous occurrence of a severe cold wave and a seismic event underscores the dynamic and sometimes challenging environmental conditions in the Himalayan region. The sharp drop in temperatures, especially in tourist-favoured locations like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, is likely to affect travel plans and daily routines. Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold, stay updated on weather advisories from the Met department, and be aware of standard safety protocols.
The widespread fog in several districts also calls for caution on the roads, particularly during early morning and late evening travel. The meteorological conditions are being closely monitored as Himachal Pradesh continues to experience the peak of its winter season.
