Himachal Pradesh Braces for Heavy Snowfall, Orange Alert Issued for 4 Districts

January 26, 2026

Shimla: A strong western disturbance is once again becoming active in Himachal Pradesh starting tonight. In response, the Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in four districts on January 27. This warning applies to Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts.

In view of this, all tourists have been advised to avoid high altitude areas and to follow the advisories of the local administration and police. According to the IMD, the effect of the Western Disturbance will last from tonight until the morning of January 28th.

Thunderstorms with winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour are forecast in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Solan, and Mandi districts on January 26 and 27. A storm alert has been issued for Shimla, Kullu, and Sirmaur districts on January 27. The storm will also cause blizzards in higher elevations.

Cold wave warning in 10 districts

Similarly, a yellow cold wave alert has been issued for all 10 districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur on January 27. This will cause temperatures to drop by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. Hailstorms are also forecast for Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur districts tomorrow.

Rain and Snowfall Forecast 

On January 28th and 29th, light rain and snowfall will occur only in the higher regions.

The weather will clear across the state on January 30th.

On January 31st, the Western Disturbance will become active again, and there are chances of good rain and snowfall.

State Infrastructure Disrupted by Recent Weather

Last week’s heavy rain and snowfall in the state has already paralyzed 832 roads, including three national highways, 1,942 power transformers, and 245 drinking water projects. The closures are disrupting public movement, troubling both the general public and tourists. Hundreds of homes have been in darkness for three days. Due to the freezing of drinking water projects, people are unable to access drinking water.