Himachal: Shimla experiences coldest May in 19 years; weather conditions to remain adverse until this date

May 7, 2026

In the capital city of Shimla, the lowest mercury levels for the month of May in 19 years have been recorded. Currently, the maximum temperature in Shimla is hovering between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. Prior to this, in May 2007, the maximum temperature had peaked at just 26 degrees. Now, 19 years later, a significant drop in temperature has been observed.

Meanwhile, due to the changing weather patterns, maximum temperatures across Himachal Pradesh are currently running ten degrees lower than normal. Districts such as Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Hamirpur which typically experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees during May are currently seeing temperatures range between 28 and 33 degrees. A distinct chill in the air persists across the state during the morning and evening hours.

On Wednesday, fresh snowfall occurred in the high-altitude regions, including the Rohtang Pass. Hailstorms were reported in Rampur, Chamba, and Kullu, while the capital city of Shimla also witnessed rainfall. On Thursday, there is a forecast for rain and gusty winds in certain areas of the state’s eight mid and high-mountain districts: Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Solan, Sirmour, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba. The weather is expected to remain clear in the plains districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra. Clear weather is likely across the entire state from May 8 to May 10; during this period, temperatures are expected to rise as sunshine returns. A fresh spell of rain is forecast for May 11 and 12, driven by the activity of a Western Disturbance.

Separately, on Wednesday afternoon, rainfall brought cooler weather to the lower regions of Kullu district and the Lahaul Valley. Heavy hailstorms lashed Sainshar, Shangarh, and Gadaparli in the Sainj Valley. This has caused damage to crops, including apples, wheat, barley, peas, and peaches. The entire valley turned white resembling a snow-covered landscape due to the heavy accumulation of hailstones.

28% More Rainfall Than Normal in the First Six Days of May

During the first six days of May, Himachal Pradesh recorded rainfall levels that were 28 percent higher than the seasonal average. For the period from May 1 to May 6, 13.9 millimeters of rainfall was considered normal; however, 17.8 millimeters of rain actually occurred. Rainfall was 367 percent above normal in Bilaspur, 197 percent in Hamirpur, 168 percent in Kangra, 160 percent in Mandi, 284 percent in Shimla, 336 percent in Sirmaur, 304 percent in Solan, and 317 percent in Una district. Conversely, rainfall was 49 percent below normal in Chamba, 51 percent in Kinnaur, 6 percent in Kullu, and 89 percent in Lahaul-Spiti.