Dry Spell Persists Across Himachal, Light Snowfall Likely in Higher Reaches Post-Diwali

Shimla, Oct 17,

Himachal Pradesh continues to experience dry weather as the monsoon retreats and a weak western disturbance (WD) hovers over the north-western Himalayas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the prevailing conditions are expected to persist till Diwali, though higher reaches of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur may receive light snowfall or inclement weather around October 21.

The latest bulletin from the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, said no major change was observed in temperature patterns during the past 24 hours. Keylong recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 1.1°C, while Paonta Sahib saw the highest maximum at 33°C. Dense fog was reported in parts of Sundernagar, indicating early winter trends in the mid-hills.

IMD officials stated that the current WD is weak but added that fresh disturbances in the coming fortnight may bring early winter conditions to the higher altitudes of Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. “High-altitude areas may experience light snowfall, especially around October 21, while the plains and mid-hills are likely to remain dry,” the department said.

The temperature variation from 1°C to 33°C signals the shift toward colder nights in the high mountains. Keylong, which has already witnessed two snowfall spells this month, recorded 39.7 cm — the highest October snowfall in recent years.

No weather warnings have been issued for the week ahead, and areas including Shimla, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, and Una will continue to see mainly clear skies. Meanwhile, residents in tribal and high-altitude belts have begun stocking up on food and fodder ahead of the expected cold wave conditions after Diwali.

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