Shimla: On Tuesday the climate in Himachal Pradesh underwent a clear transformation – rain poured back into a number of valleys while the higher ranges experienced the season’s inaugural snowfall. This dual assault pushed temperatures down further, amplifying the chill throughout the hilly state.
Intense Rain and Hail Over Palampur
Kangra district was hit hardest by a vigorous spell of precipitation. Clouds settled over Dharamshala early in the morning, and the downpour grew stronger as the day wore on.
Palampur logged 68 mm of rain accompanied by hail, unsettling farmers who had already begun harvesting under clear skies. The sudden deluge threatens crops still out in the fields and could complicate post‑harvest handling.
Manali also recorded rainfall, while Shimla stayed largely overcast as temperatures began to fall across many districts.
Snow Starts Falling in Elevated Zones
The high‑altitude areas were the first to feel the shift. Light snow began to coat parts of Lahaul‑Spiti, Pangi and Kullu, extending to the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range and the vicinity of Rohtang Pass.
The fresh white mantle has given the upper country an early winter ambience, and officials anticipate further cooling in the coming days.
In Keylong, strong gusts knocked out power for roughly six hours, highlighting how quickly weather can affect life at altitude.
Rain‑and‑Snow Forecast Through October 12
The Shimla Meteorological Centre warns that unsettled conditions will linger. From October 6‑9, light to moderate rain or snow is expected across many parts of the state, especially in the higher terrains.
On October 10, the plains and lower‑lying districts may see light to moderate rain, with isolated showers possible elsewhere.
Particularly noteworthy are the predictions for Kinnaur and Lahaul‑Spiti on October 8‑9, where stronger rain and snowfall could occur.
Overall, the unsettled pattern may persist until about October 12, with intensity varying by region.
Temperatures Set to Slip Further
Authorities project a steady decline in temperatures statewide. Minimums are likely to drop by roughly 2‑4 °C within the next 24 hours in several locations.
Over the following two to three days, another dip of about 2‑3 °C in night‑time lows is possible, while daytime highs could fall by 2‑5 °C within three to four days.
These falls will make mornings and evenings feel markedly colder, especially in the high‑altitude districts.
Strong Winds on the Horizon
Alongside rain and snow, gusty winds are forecast for many areas, with speeds potentially reaching 30‑40 km/h across several districts.
While the rain eases the recent dry spell for some valleys, it also raises concerns for farmers already in the midst of harvest operations.
With rain persisting in the lowlands and snow settling on the peaks, Himachal Pradesh is swiftly moving toward a colder, wetter phase that is likely to dominate the coming week.
