Himachal Pradesh [India], January 2: Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh are experiencing a thick blanket of snow, as temperatures in the region continue to drop, signaling a harsh cold spell.
Residents described the challenging winter conditions, with one stating, “The evenings are freezing, and while the mornings are sunny, they remain chilly. Life here is difficult, and we have to wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm.”
Another local shared the added hardships caused by the relentless snowfall, saying, “It’s extremely cold, and the constant snowfall makes even simple tasks like washing clothes a struggle. Coping with these low temperatures is tough.”
In response to the continuing severe weather, the Shimla Met Department has issued a yellow watch for January 4-6, forecasting thunderstorms, light rainfall, and squalls in various districts, including Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba.
Temperatures in higher mountain regions remain sub-zero, with Shimla at 8°C, Chamba at 6°C, Kullu at 3°C, and Kalpa at -3°C. In places like Samdho, Rickangpio, Kalpa, Kukumseri, and Tabo, temperatures have dropped below freezing, with Tabo recording the lowest at -16.7°C.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also reported dense fog and low clouds over several parts of India, including northwest, central, east, and northeast India, as well as coastal Andhra Pradesh. This cold weather has led to near-zero visibility at Delhi airports, and similar foggy conditions have impacted Gwalior, Agra, Amritsar, and Pathankot.