Kukumseri shivers at minus 0.5°C; IMD forecasts isolated rain or snow

himachaleditor October 24, 2026 3 minutes read

Mercury Dips Below Freezing in Himachal’s High Hills, Light Snowfall Likel

Shimla, October 24

Temperatures in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude areas have approached the freezing point, with Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recording a minimum temperature of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while Keylong registered 0.1 degrees Celsius, signalling the early onset of winter conditions in the higher reaches.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its weather bulletin issued on October 24, forecast light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the state on Saturday and Sunday. The higher hills, including Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and upper parts of Kullu and Mandi districts, may receive light snowfall, while isolated rain is likely in the middle and lower hills.

The weather remained mainly dry across Himachal during the preceding 24 hours, with no rainfall or snowfall recorded up to 8.30 am on Saturday. The sky remained partly cloudy in several areas, while a Western Disturbance lying over north Pakistan and adjoining areas of Jammu was expected to influence weather conditions.

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The minimum temperatures at district headquarters and other major stations, arranged in increasing order, were Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti) 0.1°C, Solan 8.0°C, Mandi 12.1°C, Chamba 12.8°C, Bilaspur 13.5°C, Dharamshala (Kangra) 13.6°C, Una 14.0°C and Nahan (Sirmaur) 14.7°C. Shimla recorded 11.0°C, while Sundernagar registered 10.5°C. Reckong Peo and Hamirpur did not have available readings in the bulletin.

Among tourist resorts and airport-linked stations, the minimum temperatures in ascending order were Manali 7.1°C, Kufri 8.5°C, Bhuntar 9.2°C, Shimla 11.0°C, Jubberhatti airport station 11.9°C and Dharamshala 13.6°C. Kukumseri recorded the state’s lowest minimum at minus 0.5°C, followed by Tabo at 0.9°C and Kalpa at 3.2°C. The readings were recorded at 8.30 am on October 24.

Despite the chill in the higher reaches, daytime temperatures remained relatively comfortable in the mid-hills and foothills. Una recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature of 32.2°C on Friday, followed by Bhuntar at 28.5°C, Mandi at 28.0°C and Kangra at 27.9°C. The IMD reported that maximum temperatures at most stations remained normal or near normal.

The department has forecast a fall of 2-3 degrees in minimum temperatures across many parts of the state during the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of similar magnitude over the subsequent two to three days. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged initially before falling by 2-3 degrees over the following two to three days.

The possibility of light rain and snowfall may also disrupt agricultural operations, particularly grass cutting and the collection of fodder for winter storage. Farmers in the hill areas generally undertake these activities before harsher winter conditions set in.

The IMD has not issued any weather warning for the next seven days. Mainly dry weather is expected to return from October 26 and continue through October 30.