The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a fresh weather forecast, bringing a glimmer of hope for snow enthusiasts in Himachal Pradesh. The department predicts the possibility of light snowfall and rain in the high-altitude areas of the state on December 20 and 21. This comes even as a prolonged dry spell continues to grip the region.
Specific Districts Under Weather Watch
According to the detailed forecast, specific districts are likely to experience this brief spell of winter precipitation. The areas identified include parts of Chamba, Kullu, Kangra, Kinnaur, and Lahaul Spiti. Residents and tourists in these upper reaches can expect light rain and snow over the two-day period.
However, the Met Centre indicates that this will be a short-lived event. The weather is expected to turn dry again for the remaining days of the week following December 21. This suggests that the overarching dry spell, which has lasted for nearly two months, will not be decisively broken by this forecasted activity.
Temperature Trends and Current Cold Conditions
The forecast also includes details on temperature patterns. For the next two to three days, no large change in maximum and minimum temperatures is anticipated. Subsequently, a drop of about 2-3 degrees Celsius is likely, leading to colder conditions.
Currently, the state is already experiencing severe cold, particularly in its high-altitude regions. Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at a chilling -6°C. Other stations that reported shivering night temperatures were:
- Tabo: -5.4°C
- Bhuntar: 2.6°C
- Bajaura: 2.8°C
- Kalpa: 3.4°C
- Manali: 3.9°C
- Hamirpur: 4.2°C
- Solan: 4.6°C
Tourist Rush and Traffic Snarls in Manali
Meanwhile, the popular tourist hubs of Kullu and Manali are witnessing a massive influx of visitors, coinciding with the peak winter season. Thousands are thronging the area with the hope of experiencing snowfall, leading to significant logistical challenges.
Major traffic jams are being reported in and around Manali. Key congestion points include the area near Vaishno Devi in Kullu town, the entrance to Manali town, and various spots along the roads leading to the iconic Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel. This surge highlights the high anticipation for winter weather among tourists, despite the recent dry conditions.
It is worth noting that a similar forecast for light snowfall in the upper reaches was made for December 14 last week. That prediction, however, did not materialize and failed to end the persistent dry spell. Tourists and locals will be hoping for a more accurate outcome this time around as they look to the skies on December 20 and 21.
