23 January,2026 04:32 PM IST | Shimla | mid-day online correspondent
Tourists walk through a market area amid snowfall, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday. PIC/PTI
Himachal Pradesh witnessed widespread rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours, while temperatures in several parts of the state remained above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Shimla.
The minimum temperatures in the low hills, plains, and high hill stations rose by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, while mid-hill stations recorded a drop of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius during the period, news agency ANI reported, citing IMD. Minimum temperatures in the low hills and higher reaches were 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, whereas mid-hill stations remained 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal. Maximum temperatures showed no significant change at most locations and stayed 2 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal at many places.
Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti reported the lowest minimum temperature in the state at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Neri in Hamirpur district recorded the highest maximum temperature at 25.4 degrees Celsius.
Significant rainfall was recorded at Bharwain (25 mm), Amb (21 mm), Aghar (17.6 mm), Kandaghat (17 mm), Pachhad (15.3 mm) and Rajgarh (14 mm), among other stations, ANI reported. Snowfall was reported in several higher reaches, with Kothi receiving 15 cm, Gondla 12 cm, Kukumseri 6.8 cm, Jot 6 cm, Saloni 5 cm, Manali 4.8 cm, Keylong 4 cm, Kufri 4 cm, and Shimla 0.6 cm.
IMD also reported thunderstorms at isolated places, including Sundernagar, Kangra, Shimla, Murari Devi, and Jubbarhatti. Strong gusty winds were observed, with Narkanda recording wind speeds of up to 87 kmph, followed by Kufri (67 kmph), Seobagh (65 kmph), and Mashobra (59 kmph). No cold wave or cold day conditions were reported during the period.
According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to remain unstable over the next few days, with isolated to scattered precipitation likely across parts of the state, ANI reported. Heavy rain or snowfall is likely at isolated places on Friday, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are also expected at isolated locations.
IMD further said that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh, from January 26, which may trigger renewed weather activity.
Advising residents and tourists to remain cautious, the weather bureau said snowfall, gusty winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions could pose risks, particularly in higher reaches and wind-prone areas.
(With ANI inputs)
