Shimla, Jan 22,
After a sunny morning in Shimla, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reiterated its forecast of rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh starting tonight and continuing until Thursday evening. Scattered precipitation is expected from the late night of January 22, 2025, till the evening of January 23, 2025, under the influence of a Western Disturbance.
Light snowfall with isolated moderate spells is likely in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti, as well as in the higher reaches of Sirmaur and Kullu. Light rainfall is expected over several areas, including Solan, Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, and Kinnaur, with isolated light rain in Chamba, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur.
Popular tourist destinations such as Shimla City, Naldehra, and Manali are likely to see light to moderate rainfall or snowfall, while Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley, and Sissu may experience light snowfall with moderate spells.
In Shimla and nearby regions, nighttime temperatures have been recorded 2-3°C above the seasonal average, bringing relatively milder conditions despite the persistent winter chill. Partly cloudy skies have contributed to this warmth, offering some respite from the cold.
Today the lowest minimum temperatures was recorded at Kukumseri minus 8.6 and highest maximum was recorded at Una 24.8 degree centigrade.
However, the prolonged dry spell in Shimla and other regions has raised concerns about drought-like conditions, especially in agricultural areas. Farmers growing off-season vegetables and Rabi crops, such as wheat, barley, mustard, and peas, remain heavily reliant on irrigation. In apple-growing regions, insufficient rainfall and snowfall are complicating orchard management, delaying manure application, and preventing the planting of new orchards. A continued lack of precipitation could worsen water shortages and negatively impact crop productivity, especially if the region experiences warmer-than-normal temperatures.
Roads across the state have remained clear following dry weather in the past 24 hours. Key routes in Lahaul-Spiti, such as Darcha to Shinkula, Darcha to Sarchu, and Kaza to Lossar, are operational, and the Atal Tunnel route connecting Keylong and Manali remains open.
Travelers, however, are advised to exercise caution, as the forecast suggests weather changes. Those heading to higher-altitude areas should equip their vehicles with snow chains and use four-wheel-drive vehicles to ensure safety. The updated forecast offers a glimmer of hope for both residents and farmers as they await the much-needed rain and snow in the coming days.
A sunny morning greeted Shimla today (Wednesday), casting doubt on the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) prediction of rain and snowfall. However, on query weather officials maintain their forecast, warning that thunderstorms are expected to roll in tonight, potentially continuing until Thursday evening. Despite the current sunshine, Shimla and its adjoining regions may soon witness significant precipitation, bringing a much-needed respite to the dry spell gripping the region.
Across Himachal Pradesh, overcast skies dominate, with snow and rain predicted in higher-altitude districts such as Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur. Lower regions, including Solan, Sirmour, Una, and parts of Bilaspur and Hamirpur, are also likely to experience showers. While temperatures in Shimla and nearby areas have risen 2-3°C above the seasonal average, offering some relief from the biting cold, the lack of substantial snowfall has left the iconic hill town unusually dry for this time of year.
Today the lowest minimum temperatures was recorded at Kukumseri minus 8.6 and highest maximum was recorded at Una 24.8 degree centigrade.
The prolonged dry spell is taking a toll on agriculture and water resources, casting a shadow over the livelihoods of farmers and orchardists. In apple-growing belts, the scarcity of rain and snow is delaying critical orchard activities, with many farmers holding back on manure application and new plantation efforts. Crops like wheat, barley, mustard, and peas are heavily dependent on irrigation, and without adequate winter precipitation, water shortages could escalate, potentially slashing yields and impacting the region’s economy. Warmer-than-normal maximum temperatures are adding to these woes, threatening the productivity of fruit crops and raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, the state’s roads remain mostly clear, with major routes in Lahaul-Spiti, such as Darcha to Shinkula and Keylong to Kaza, fully operational. The Atal Tunnel is open, ensuring connectivity between Manali and Keylong, but travelers are advised to remain vigilant. The IMD has issued warnings for those venturing into higher altitudes, urging the use of snow chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate potential weather hazards.
As Himachal Pradesh braces for the anticipated rain and snow, residents and farmers are pinning their hopes on the forecast holding true. With drought-like conditions threatening to deepen, this spell of precipitation could offer much-needed relief and revive the winter charm that the region is famous for.
