Himachal Pradesh experienced unusually cold night temperatures on Wednesday, with several plains recording readings lower than hill station Shimla. According to the Meteorological Department (IMD), cold winds from higher mountains combined with early-morning fog kept night lows suppressed across the plains.
Plains Colder Than Shimla Overnight
Despite Shimla’s minimum temperature being 7.6°C, many lower-lying areas registered even lower readings:
-
Solan: 4.3°C
-
Barthi: 4.7°C
-
Dharamshala: 5.2°C
-
Sundernagar: 5.1°C
-
Bhuntar: 3.5°C
-
Una: 7.2°C
-
Kangra: 6.2°C
-
Mandi: 6.2°C
-
Bilaspur: 7.0°C
These cooler nights were attributed to cold winds funneling down from the high mountains. Meanwhile, high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti saw extreme lows, with Kukumsari at –8.3°C and Tabo at –8.8°C.
Maximum Temperatures Well Above Normal
Bright sunshine over the past 4–5 days has caused daytime temperatures to climb well above seasonal averages. The state average maximum temperature is now 4.7°C above normal, with notable spikes including:
-
Kangra: 24.7°C (↑5.8°C above normal)
-
Sundernagar: 25.1°C (↑5.7°C above normal)
-
Bhuntar: 23.3°C (↑5.4°C above normal)
-
Shimla: 17.6°C (↑4.9°C above normal)
This combination of cool nights and warm days is typical of stable, dry weather under clear skies.
No Significant Rain or Snow for the Next Week
Himachal Pradesh has so far received about 16% less rainfall than normal this winter season. From January 1 to February 11, the state recorded 101.8 mm of precipitation, compared to the expected 119.9 mm.
The IMD forecasts dry conditions for at least the next 4–5 days, with no major rain or snowfall expected until mid-February.
Weak Western Disturbance Expected from February 16
A Western Disturbance (WD) — an upper-air weather system that can bring precipitation to the Himalayas — is expected to become active around February 16. However, the IMD says this WD will be weak, likely affecting only higher altitudes, without significant impact on plains weather.
Weather Outlook
-
Feb 12–15: Clear skies; cold nights and warm days
-
From Feb 16: Weak WD influence mainly in high mountains; minor impact expected
-
Rain/Snow: Unlikely in lower and middle hills for at least 7 days