Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has brought visible signs of a seasonal change, with Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti among the regions witnessing fresh snow. The development has also raised a question across Punjab: when will the Himalayan chill begin to reach the plains?
Snowfall has been reported from high-altitude areas, including Chitkul and Kuno-Charang in Kinnaur. Parts of Spiti, including Kaza and Chicham, have also experienced fresh snow.
Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti witness fresh snowfall
The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh have witnessed a noticeable change in weather over the past few days. Kinnaur recorded the season's first snowfall, while fresh snow was also reported in the higher areas of Lahaul-Spiti.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, warning of the possibility of snowfall at isolated higher-altitude locations during the active weather spell.
The snowfall has brought a noticeable drop in temperatures across the higher Himalayan regions, although the Punjab plains continue to experience comparatively warmer conditions.
Does snowfall in Himachal mean Punjab will turn cold?
Not immediately.
Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh does not automatically translate into a sudden drop in temperatures across Punjab. Weather conditions in the state are influenced by several factors, including wind direction, rainfall, cloud cover and the movement of colder air masses over northern India.
However, the cooling of the higher Himalayas is an important part of the broader transition towards winter.
As the season progresses, northwesterly winds can carry cooler air towards the Punjab plains, particularly after weather systems move away and skies become clearer.
Jalandhar continues to experience warm weather
For now, Punjab has not entered winter conditions.
Jalandhar is still witnessing nighttime temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, while daytime temperatures remain around 30°C or higher. Similar conditions are being experienced in several other parts of Punjab.
This means the immediate weather trend is not a cold wave but a gradual transition towards cooler conditions as the season advances.
Why the coming weeks will be important
The higher Himalayan regions generally begin cooling before the plains experience a significant change in winter temperatures.
If snowfall continues or increases at higher elevations and is followed by colder northwesterly winds, Punjab could gradually witness a decline in minimum temperatures, particularly during the night.
The first noticeable change in the state is therefore more likely to be cooler mornings and nights rather than an immediate, sharp drop in daytime temperatures.
For now, the fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh signals a seasonal shift in the mountains, while Punjab continues to wait for a more noticeable change in the weather.