Western Disturbance to Bring Snowfall and Rain to Himachal Pradesh After Prolonged Dry Spell

December 20, 2025

Shimla: A Western Disturbance (WD) is forecast to be active in Himachal Pradesh today. This could bring light snowfall in higher altitudes and light drizzle in mid-altitude areas over the next 48 hours.

According to the Meteorological Center, Shimla, fresh snowfall is possible on the higher peaks of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts. In addition to these districts, light rain is forecast in the higher reaches of Shimla and Mandi. However, the weather will remain clear in the plains.

This has raised hopes for rain and snow for tourism businesses, apple growers, and farmers, as the state has endured a dry spell of more than two months. Rainfall in November was 96 percent below normal, and in December, it was 100 percent below normal.

Temperatures rise before snowfall

Ahead of the rain and snowfall, most cities in the state have recorded a rise in maximum and minimum temperatures. Shimla and Kufri, in particular, have seen the biggest jump. Shimla’s temperature has risen 6.1 degrees above normal, reaching 12.2 degrees Celsius, and Kufri’s has reached 10.3 degrees Celsius.

Cold due to fog in the plains

Meanwhile, fog in the plains has kept the weather cold in the morning, evening, and night. The night temperature in Sundernagar, Mandi, was 2.7 degrees Celsius, Bhuntar 3.5 degrees Celsius, Manali 4.6 degrees Celsius, Kangra 5.7 degrees Celsius, Mandi 6.2 degrees Celsius, and Hamirpur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius.

Fog alert in these districts

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow fog alert for Bilaspur and Mandi districts today. Fog is expected to cause problems in these districts until 10 a.m. Similarly, fog will also affect the lower areas of Solan, Sirmaur, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Una districts.