As temperatures plummet across Himachal Pradesh, residents find themselves battling the harsh bite of winter. Lahaul and Spiti’s Kukumseri emerged as the coldest spot in the state, registering a bone-chilling minus 14.6 degrees Celsius. High-altitude tribal areas experienced temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees below freezing point, intensifying the cold wave sweeping through the region.
Recent snowfall and rainfall in various parts of the state have exacerbated the cold, with the Meteorological Office reporting a significant dip in minimum temperatures. Despite the picturesque snow-covered landscapes, the adverse weather conditions have disrupted daily life and posed challenges to transportation and infrastructure.
In Lahaul and Spiti district, an avalanche struck Dhooni mountain above Jabrang village, adding to the region’s woes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident highlights the precarious conditions faced by residents and travelers in the mountainous terrain.
The state’s emergency operation center revealed that numerous roads, including four national highways and over 400 other routes, remain closed due to snow accumulation and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, 289 transformers and 11 water supply schemes are disrupted, further complicating the situation for local communities.
In Lahaul and Spiti alone, 288 roads are blocked, including key routes like Gramphu-Losar and Darcha-Sarchu. Other affected areas include Chamba and Kullu, with road closures causing inconvenience and isolation for residents.
The Meteorological Office reported minimum temperatures hovering two to five degrees below normal in several areas. Sumdo recorded a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Kalpa at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, and Narkanda at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. Even popular tourist destinations like Manali and Reckong Peo experienced temperatures below freezing, further adding to the region’s chilly ambiance.
Snowfall and rainfall have been intermittent, with Bharmour, Kothi, and Nichar receiving notable snowfall accumulation. Meanwhile, Kusumseri, Kalpa, Manali, and Reckong Peo witnessed varying degrees of snowfall, accompanied by sporadic rains in certain areas. Notably, Manali received 17 millimeters of rainfall, followed by Dalhousie at 7 millimeters, Chamba at 4 millimeters, and Bharmour at 3 millimeters.
Looking ahead, the local Meteorological Office has forecasted more precipitation in the form of rain and snow in higher hills from February 24 to 28. Isolated areas in low and middle hills may also experience rain on February 26 and 27, signaling a continued period of challenging weather conditions for the region.
Sources By Agecies
