Himachal gets light snowfall on high mountain passes and peaks

Rainfall anomaly is expected to remain normal over most parts of the low hills, plains and mid-hill areas, and normal to above normal over many parts of the high hills.

Minimum temperature below 10 degrees Celsius was recorded at 24 locations across the state. Tabo and Kukumseri recorded sub-zero temperature.

Light fog was reported in parts of Mandi district while dense fog affected normal life in Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Mandi districts. Poor visibility in reservoir areas and low-lying regions during morning and evening hours slowed vehicular movement, with vehicles seen crawling on several roads.

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for fog in districts adjoining reservoirs during morning and evening hours on December 18 and 19.

Amid fluctuating temperature, Dharamshala recorded its warmest December day on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature touching 26.0 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 25.4 degrees Celsius set in 2010.

The department said a fresh western disturbance has been observed as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and adjoining areas around 3.1 km above mean sea level. Its impact is likely to cause rain and snowfall in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts on December 20 and 21. From December 22 onwards, weather is expected to remain clear across the state.