The severe cold continues to wreak havoc in the lower hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh. The local meteorological department has issued an orange alert for Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi districts for four days from Monday. During this period, a further drop in temperature has been predicted in these areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in the central and high hilly areas of the state till Thursday. At the same time, the minimum temperature is likely to remain below normal. However, due to dry weather, a drop of two to three degrees in temperature has been recorded during the day.

Temperature conditions in the state

Severe cold is being felt in different parts of the state. Tabo was the coldest place in the state, where the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.6 degrees below zero. Apart from this, the temperature has also dropped in Sumdo (5.3 degrees below zero), Kusumseri (4.8 degrees below zero) and Kalpa (1.8 degrees below zero). At the same time, in the lower areas of the state, the minimum temperature of Una was recorded at 1.0 degrees Celsius, while in Bhuntar it was 1.5 degrees Celsius. In terms of maximum temperature, Una was the hottest place in the state, where the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.8 degrees Celsius. However, this temperature was lower than Saturday (24.5 degrees).

Fog alert 

The weather centre has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Mandi, Bhakra Dam reservoir area and parts of Balh valley from 24 to 26 December. Along with this, the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains are expected to come under the influence of an active western disturbance from 27 December, which may lead to light rain and snowfall. Light rain and snowfall is expected at some places on 23-24 December and at many places on 27-28 December.

This weather condition has become a cause of concern for the farmers in the state. Dry weather and frost conditions can prove to be harmful for Rabi crops, especially those crops sown in November and December. Farmers are worried about these weather conditions, as it can have an adverse effect on their crops. (Language)