The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is set to shiver under the grip of an intensifying cold wave over the coming four days, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather office has issued a yellow alert, warning residents and tourists of harsh conditions, particularly in the higher reaches.
IMD Forecast Predicts Sharp Temperature Drop
The IMD's regional centre in Shimla has clearly stated that the cold wave conditions are expected to become more severe across the state. This warning is effective from Tuesday, January 16, and will persist until Friday, January 19. The mercury is predicted to take a significant plunge during this period.
The key districts under watch include Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur. Famous hill stations and towns like Shimla, Keylong, and Kalpa are likely to experience the brunt of this cold spell. The minimum temperatures in these high-altitude areas could drop several degrees below normal, creating potentially dangerous conditions, especially during the night and early morning hours.
Weather Patterns and Expected Conditions
The intensifying cold is attributed to specific atmospheric conditions prevailing over the region. A dominant factor is the prevalence of dry northwesterly winds sweeping across the hills. These winds, originating from colder regions, are responsible for advecting cold air into Himachal Pradesh, leading to a marked drop in temperatures.
Furthermore, the sky is expected to remain mainly clear during this period. While this promises sunny days, it also leads to rapid radiative cooling at night. Without cloud cover to trap heat, the ground loses warmth quickly, resulting in much colder nights and early mornings. This combination of clear skies and cold winds creates the perfect setup for a severe cold wave.
Residents in the warned districts should prepare for frost formation and icy surfaces. The IMD's yellow alert serves as an advisory for people to be aware of the situation and take necessary precautions.
Precautions and Advisory for Residents and Tourists
With the cold wave set to tighten its grip, authorities and health experts are urging people to take immediate steps to protect themselves. Prolonged exposure to such intense cold can lead to health risks like hypothermia and frostbite, particularly for the elderly, children, and those without adequate shelter.
Key recommendations include:
- Wearing multiple layers of warm clothing when venturing outdoors.
- Ensuring proper heating arrangements at home, while being cautious of fire hazards from heaters and blowers.
- Staying updated with the latest weather bulletins from the IMD.
- Tourists planning visits to high-altitude areas like Lahaul and Spiti or Rohtang Pass should check road conditions and weather advisories, as extreme cold can lead to road closures.
The state government and disaster management authorities are likely to be on alert to provide assistance if needed. This cold spell serves as a stark reminder of the challenging winter conditions that the mountain state faces annually, requiring both preparedness and resilience from its inhabitants.
