The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, especially the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, are expected to receive light to moderate snowfall over the next 48 hours, bringing some relief after unusually warm and dry conditions.
The Lahaul-Spiti district administration has forecast rainfall and snowfall from 8 am on December 20 to 8 am on December 22, with the highest chances on December 21. Keylong could see a 95% probability of snowfall, Udaipur 75–90%, and Kaza in Spiti around 80%, with snow likely continuing into December 22.
Weather experts attribute the expected snowfall to an active western disturbance. December 20 is predicted to be mostly cloudy, with snowfall intensifying the following day. The India Meteorological Department also predicts light to moderate rain or snow in high-altitude areas of Kinnaur, Chamba, and the upper reaches of Kullu and Mandi. Officials warn that snowfall may further lower minimum temperatures, intensifying cold wave conditions in the tribal belt.
Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing unusually warm weather for mid-December. Shimla recorded a minimum of 11.6°C, nearly 6–7°C above the average, and daytime temperatures soared to 20°C. Other districts, including Dharamsala, Una, Solan, Hamirpur, and Kangra, also reported daytime temperatures between 20–21°C. Even high-altitude areas such as Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti saw temperatures 2–4°C above normal, despite a minimum of –4.1°C.
Meanwhile, dense fog continues to disrupt vehicular movement in parts of Bilaspur and Mandi during the night and early morning hours.
