Shimla, December 4 (Udaipur Kiran): The weather in Himachal Pradesh is set to change in the coming days. On Thursday, several parts of the state witnessed a mix of sunshine and light cloud cover. Even in the capital Shimla, alternating sun and clouds were seen since morning, increasing the feeling of cold.

According to the Meteorological Department, a western disturbance will become active from Friday, December 5, due to which weather conditions are likely to worsen. Under its influence, rain and snowfall are expected in the mid and high hill regions, while no major change is anticipated in the plains, where cold and fog will continue. The department has predicted that the weather may clear on December 6, but snowfall is again likely in the hilly and high-altitude areas on December 7. Weather is expected to remain clear from December 8 to 10.

On Thursday morning, dense fog covered Bilaspur, reducing visibility to just 50 metres. Visibility was recorded at 150 metres in Mandi and 300 metres in Sundernagar. Due to fog, vehicle drivers had to exercise extreme caution for several hours.

Meanwhile, intense cold continues in the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Several locations recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures and water sources have frozen. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded a minimum temperature of minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, Kukumseri minus 4 degrees, Keylong minus 3.4 degrees and Kalpa in Kinnaur minus 0.6 degrees Celsius.

Night temperatures have also dropped sharply in other cities. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 6.8 degrees Celsius, Sundernagar 2.2, Bhuntar 1.8, Dharamshala 5.8, Una 5.8, Nahan 9.1, Palampur 4, Solan and Manali 2.3 each, Kangra 4.3, Mandi 4.6, Bilaspur 6.9, Hamirpur 4.1, Narkanda 3.4, Reckong Peo 2.4, Seobag 0.5 and Sarahan 5 degrees Celsius.

With continuously falling temperatures, people are using bonfires in the mornings and evenings, while frozen water pipelines in higher areas are also affecting drinking water supply.

Tourist destinations such as Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda and Dalhousie are witnessing excitement among hoteliers and tourism operators over the possibility of snowfall, as it is expected to increase tourist footfall. December usually marks the first snowfall of the season in the hill stations of the state. At the same time, farmers and orchard owners are also eagerly awaiting rain and snowfall, as dry weather has prevailed for the past one month, affecting sowing activities.

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