Dharamshala, Dec. 26 -- The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Shimla office has predicted light rain and snowfall at isolated places in the high hills of Himachal Pradesh on December 26, 30, and 31. This forecast comes as a feeble Western Disturbance (WD) is expected to affect the western Himalayan region starting December 27. While the higher reaches may see precipitation, the weather office expects dry conditions to persist across the mid-hills and plains of the state through the end of the year. The state is currently grappling with a severe prolonged dry spell, recording a staggering 99% rainfall deficit so far this December. Most districts have reported a 100% deficit, with the exception of Lahaul-Spiti, which recorded a 98% deficit, receiving only 0.9 mm of precipitation against the normal 37.1 mm. Temperature fluctuations are also anticipated in the coming days. MeT officials stated on Thursday that minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 2-3 degrees over the next 24 hours before falling by 2-5 degrees during the following three to four days. Similarly, maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2-3 notches over the next 48 hours, followed by a subsequent drop of 2-4 degrees. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in six districts-Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur-effective until December 29. Notably, an orange alert for dense to very dense fog has been sounded for areas surrounding the Bhakra Dam reservoir in Bilaspur district. Over the last 24 hours, the state remained dry with no significant temperature shifts at most stations, though minimum temperatures in the plains dipped by 2-3 notches....