Weather Alert: Rain and Snow Forecast for Himachal Pradesh
Weather Conditions Disrupt Daily Life
Pallavi Sharma
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a significant weather shift, with rain and snowfall anticipated across seven districts in the middle and high hills over the next two days. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has indicated that this change is due to an active western disturbance.
On Saturday (December 20, 2025), residents of Shimla and nearby areas experienced intermittent sunshine amidst a cloudy sky, while daytime temperatures saw a noticeable decline throughout the state. Dense fog enveloped many plains, including Nahan and Una, severely limiting visibility and creating challenges for travelers.
The adverse weather also impacted air travel, leading to the cancellation of an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Kangra airport, originally scheduled to arrive around 9:30 am due to low visibility in the capital. Consequently, numerous passengers heading to Kangra found themselves stranded in Delhi. However, later in the day, one flight each from Delhi and Chandigarh successfully landed at Kangra airport.
Temperature Drops Expected
Minimum temperatures have plummeted to -5.7°C in Kukumseri, with Tabo recording -2.9°C. Shimla's night temperature was noted at 11.8°C, while Dharamshala, Manali, and Una recorded 7.8°C, 5.4°C, and 5.5°C, respectively. Weather officials predict that minimum temperatures in higher altitudes could decrease by an additional 2-4°C within the next 24 hours, with a gradual drop of 3-6°C expected in the following days. Maximum temperatures are also projected to decline by 3-7°C later this week.
Rain and Snow Forecast for Seven Districts
The Met office has warned that Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts may experience rain and snowfall on December 20 and 21. Clear weather is anticipated from December 22 to 26. A yellow alert for dense fog has been issued for parts of the Bhakra dam reservoir area in Bilaspur and sections of Balh valley in Mandi during early morning and late-night hours on December 23 and 24.
Additionally, fresh snowfall in higher regions has exacerbated cold conditions, particularly in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, prompting seasonal migration among the Gaddi community. As winter intensifies, many families have started relocating to the plains with their sheep and goats.