Cold Wave Grips Himachal Pradesh as Temperatures Dip Below Freezing in Five Cities

January 5, 2026

Shimla: A cold wave and fog are causing severe cold in Himachal Pradesh. Temperatures in five cities have dropped below freezing, while temperatures in 19 others have dropped below 5 degrees Celsius. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti has recorded a low of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius.

Other Areas Near Freezing Point

Kalpa in Kinnaur recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Solan minus 0.6, Kukumseri minus 6.7 and Narkanda minus 1.5 degrees Celsius. Kufri recorded 0.4 degrees Celsius, Seobagh 0 degrees Celsius and Reckong Peo 0.1 degrees Celsius, all near the freezing point.

This winter season, Solan’s temperature has dropped below freezing for the first time. Shimla’s mercury has also dropped to 2.6 degrees for the first time. According to the Meteorological Department, the dry cold will continue to trouble the mountains until there is significant rainfall or snowfall.

The maximum temperature is also low

The maximum temperature has also decreased over the past 24 hours. Hamirpur’s maximum temperature dropped the most, dropping by 3.6 degrees to 15.1 degrees Celsius, while Una’s temperature dropped by 3.2 degrees to 15.8 degrees Celsius.

Dry Cold Likely to Persist

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted light snowfall in the higher elevations today and tomorrow. A yellow alert for dense fog has been issued for the plains for the next four days until 10 am. Even today, fog prevailed in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur districts during the morning. Visibility in Sundernagar dropped to 100 meters.

IMD Forecast for Next 48 Hours

According to the Meteorological Center (IMD) Shimla, light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Kullu districts over the next 48 hours. Clear weather is forecast for other areas of the state.