Himachal Pradesh Weather Update: Rain and Snow Expected Soon

Himachal Pradesh is bracing for significant weather changes, with forecasts of rain and snowfall in the coming days. Dense fog has already disrupted daily life in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts, affecting visibility and traffic. The state capital, Shimla, has been under thick cloud cover, while temperatures continue to drop across various regions. A yellow alert has been issued for ongoing foggy conditions, and Dharamshala has recorded an unprecedented temperature spike for December. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving weather situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 18, 2025, 13:45 IST

Severe Fog Disrupts Daily Life in Three Districts

Shimla: Weather patterns in Himachal Pradesh are anticipated to shift, with the Meteorological Department predicting rain and snowfall across various regions in the upcoming days. Since Thursday morning (December 18, 2025), the state capital Shimla and its surrounding areas have been enveloped in thick cloud cover, signaling an impending period of unsettled weather.

Temperatures are continuing to drop throughout the hilly state, with minimum readings at 24 locations falling below 10°C. High-altitude areas like Tabo and Kukumseri have recorded sub-zero temperatures, while light fog has been observed in parts of Mandi district.

Poor Visibility Impacts Traffic

Dense fog has significantly disrupted normal activities in the Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts. Reduced visibility during early mornings and evenings, particularly in low-lying regions and near reservoirs, has caused vehicles to move slowly along highways.

The Meteorological office has issued a yellow alert, cautioning residents about ongoing foggy conditions in districts adjacent to reservoirs on December 18 and 19. In Dharamshala, an unusual rise in temperatures has been noted, with the town recording a maximum of 26°C on Wednesday, setting a new December record, surpassing the previous high of 25.4°C from 2010.

Temperature Records in Various Locations

Shimla's minimum temperature was recorded at 9.8°C, while Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Kalpa, Dharamshala, Una, Nahan, Palampur, Solan, Manali, Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur reported temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9.8°C. Jubbarhatti and Kufri were slightly above 10°C, whereas Kukumseri and Tabo experienced temperatures of -4.7°C and -4.3°C, respectively.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, a new western disturbance has formed as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and nearby areas at approximately 3.1 km above sea level. This disturbance is expected to bring rain and snowfall to various parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 20 and 21, with isolated higher regions possibly experiencing light precipitation today. Weather conditions are projected to improve, with clearer skies anticipated from December 22 onwards.