Shimla: Tourist hotspots across Himachal Pradesh are witnessing a massive rush ahead of New Year celebrations, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread snowfall and rain in several regions over the next 48 hours due to a fresh western disturbance.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, an active western disturbance will impact the state from December 30 and is expected to remain effective until the afternoon of January 2. Popular tourist destinations including Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu and the Rohtang region of Lahaul-Spiti are likely to receive snowfall on December 31 and January 1.
Speaking to ANI, Senior IMD Scientist Shobhit Katiyar said that the weather across Himachal Pradesh remained largely dry over the past 24 hours, with sunshine prevailing in most areas. However, conditions are now set to change significantly.
“An active western disturbance will impact Himachal Pradesh from December 30 till January 2 afternoon. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in mid and high hill regions on December 31 and January 1, while light rainfall is likely in the plains,” Katiyar said.
The IMD has forecast snowfall in upper regions of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Shimla districts. Lower areas including Solan, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Hamirpur may experience light rainfall. In Shimla district, higher belts such as Kufri and Narkanda are expected to receive snow, while Shimla city may see rainfall along with chances of light to moderate snowfall.
The prolonged dry spell in plains is also likely to end from December 31 onward. Weather conditions are expected to improve after January 2 with sunny conditions likely to return.
The IMD has also warned of a steep temperature drop due to the western disturbance. Day temperatures may fall by 6–8°C and night temperatures by 4–5°C. Cold wave conditions are expected for two days across Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba, and a yellow alert has been issued.
Dense fog is also likely in parts of Mandi and Bilaspur districts over the next two nights, with temporary improvement expected after December 31. However, foggy conditions may return after January 3 in Bilaspur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts.
The IMD has urged tourists and residents to remain cautious, especially in snow-prone and cold wave-affected regions during the New Year festivities.