Shimla

Several parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours, while temperatures in many areas remained above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla said minimum temperatures in the low hills, plains and high hill stations rose by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, while mid-hill stations recorded a fall of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius during the period. Minimum temperatures in the low and high hill regions were 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, whereas mid-hill stations remained 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal.

Maximum temperatures showed no significant change at most places and remained 2 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal at many stations.

Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Neri in Hamirpur district registered the highest maximum temperature at 25.4 degrees Celsius.

Significant rainfall was reported from Bharwain (25 mm), Amb (21 mm), Aghar (17.6 mm), Kandaghat (17 mm), Pachhad (15.3 mm) and Rajgarh (14 mm). Snowfall was recorded in higher reaches, with Kothi receiving 15 cm, Gondla 12 cm, Kukumseri 6.8 cm, Jot 6 cm, Saloni 5 cm, Manali 4.8 cm, Keylong 4 cm, Kufri 4 cm, and Shimla 0.6 cm.

Thunderstorms were observed at isolated places, including Sundernagar, Kangra, Shimla, Murari Devi and Jubbarhatti. Strong gusty winds were reported, with Narkanda recording wind speeds of up to 87 kmph, followed by Kufri (67 kmph), Seobagh (65 kmph) and Mashobra (59 kmph).

No cold-wave or cold-day conditions were reported during the period.

According to the IMD forecast, weather conditions are likely to remain unstable over the next few days, with isolated to scattered precipitation expected across parts of the state. Heavy rain or snowfall is likely at isolated places on January 23, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph may also occur at isolated locations.

The IMD further said a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh, from January 26, which could lead to renewed weather activity.

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The weather office has advised residents and tourists to remain cautious, particularly in higher reaches and wind-prone areas, in view of snowfall, strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions.