Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a sharp intensification of winter conditions as a persistent cold wave sweeps across the state amid an extended dry spell, bringing daily life to a near standstill in several districts and deepening hardships for residents in both hill and plain areas. Over the past few days, minimum temperatures have continued to fall steadily, pushing multiple locations into sub-zero territory and significantly worsening early morning and late evening conditions. Light snowfall was recorded at Koksar in Lahaul-Spiti, where around 3.4 centimetres of fresh snow added to the chill and further isolated the high-altitude region, already grappling with limited connectivity and essential supply challenges. In lower and mid-hill districts such as Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur and Hamirpur, the cold wave has been clearly visible through biting winds, icy mornings and an unusual rise in cold-related discomfort among residents. Dense fog in Bilaspur, moderate fog in Paonta Sahib and light fog in Una have severely reduced visibility during peak commuting hours, leading to traffic slowdowns, delayed public transport and increased risk for early morning travellers, especially schoolchildren, daily wage workers and inter-district commuters. In rural belts, farmers have been struggling to begin field activities until late morning due to frost-covered fields and numbingly cold air, while livestock owners are reporting stress among animals, particularly in open grazing zones.
The situation is most severe in the tribal and high-altitude areas, where Tabo emerged as the coldest place in the state with the minimum temperature plunging to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius. Along with Tabo, nine locations across Himachal Pradesh recorded temperatures below the freezing point, including Kalpa at minus 5.2 degrees, Solan at minus 1.1, Manali at minus 1.4, Kufri, Kukumseri at minus 9.2, Narkanda at minus 2.9, Reckong Peo at minus 2.0 and Seobag at minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. A total of 23 locations in the state reported minimum temperatures below five degrees, reflecting the widespread nature of the cold wave. Even in urban centres, the impact has been clearly felt, with Shimla recording a minimum temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius, Sundernagar 0.7, Bhuntar 0.5, Palampur 2.0, Dharamshala 4.8, Nahan 5.0 and Una 5.8 degrees Celsius. Though bright sunshine during midday hours in areas like Shimla and Kullu-Manali has provided brief relief, residents say the warmth is short-lived and insufficient to offset the intense cold that returns quickly after sunset.
The prolonged dry weather has further compounded the problem, as the absence of rain and widespread snowfall has allowed night-time temperatures to drop sharply. According to weather experts, clear skies during winter nights accelerate heat loss from the surface, leading to severe cold wave conditions, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas where cold air settles. This pattern has increased the incidence of frost in agricultural fields, raising concerns among farmers growing vegetables, apples and stone fruits, as frost damage can reduce both yield and quality. In towns and villages alike, people are relying heavily on heating devices, firewood and electric heaters, which has also led to higher electricity consumption and occasional voltage fluctuations in some regions.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast that the weather is likely to remain clear across the state for about a week, extending the dry spell at least until mid-January. While no major change is expected in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours, a gradual rise of two to four degrees Celsius in night temperatures is anticipated over the following three to four days, with maximum temperatures also expected to increase slightly thereafter. However, meteorologists caution that cold wave conditions may persist in isolated pockets, especially during early mornings and late nights. A yellow alert has been issued for parts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts, warning of moderate to dense fog and the likelihood of cold wave conditions at one or two locations. Authorities have advised motorists to drive cautiously during foggy hours and urged elderly people and children to take extra precautions against the cold.
As winter tightens its grip, the harsh conditions are testing the resilience of people across Himachal Pradesh, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions where access to healthcare, transport and daily supplies becomes increasingly challenging. With schools, offices and markets adjusting routines to cope with delayed mornings and freezing evenings, the cold wave has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hill states to extreme winter weather and the need for preparedness at both administrative and community levels.
