Himachal Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall Expected in Higher Regions on Jan 23

January 17, 2026

Shimla: The prolonged dry spell in Himachal Pradesh may break on January 23rd. Heavy snowfall is expected in higher elevations and rain in lower elevations. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain and snowfall on January 23rd.

Weather to Deteriorate From January 22

Before this, the Western Disturbance will remain weak from January 17th to 21st. During this time, only the higher elevations will experience light snowfall. Other areas will remain clear. The weather will begin to deteriorate across the state on the 22nd. Cloudy rain is forecast for most parts of the state on the night of the 22nd and the 23rd.

Light Snowfall Recorded in Higher Regions

Meanwhile, the weather has changed in the higher regions of the state. Light snowfall occurred last night on the higher peaks of Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba.

Tourists Stranded at Shinkula Pass Rescued

At Shinkula Pass in Lahaul-Spiti, snowfall in the evening stranded 12 tourist vehicles and more than 25 people, who were safely rescued by police late in the evening.

Yellow Alert for Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti

Shinkula Pass recorded up to 4 inches of fresh snowfall. The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for snowfall in the higher reaches of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti for the next 4-5 hours.

The people of the state are hopeful of rain and snowfall.

The weather forecast has certainly raised hopes of rain and snowfall among the people of the state. Shimla has been shrouded in light clouds since this morning. Meanwhile, tourists from across the country are eagerly awaiting snowfall and are disappointed by the lack of it so far. If there is a significant snowfall, tourists will be able to see the snow.

Mercury dropped to 3 degrees or below in 13 cities

After rain and snowfall, the temperature will drop. Currently, the minimum temperature has dropped to 3 degrees Celsius or below in 13 cities of the state. The mercury in Sundernagar of Mandi was recorded at 1.6 degrees, Bhuntar at 1.0, Kalpa at 0.6, Solan at 0.1, and Barthi at 1.1 degrees. Similarly, Kukumsari in Lahaul Spiti recorded minus -3.8 degrees and Tabo at minus -5.2 degrees.