Rain, Snow Return to Himachal as Weather Takes a Fresh Turn
After enjoying several days of clear skies and warm afternoons, Himachal Pradesh is once again preparing for a change in weather. While pleasant sunshine has kept daytime temperatures higher than usual across the hills, the nip in the morning and evening air has already begun hinting at the approaching winter season. Now, a fresh western disturbance is set to bring rain to many parts of the state and even light snowfall in the higher reaches.
According to meteorologists, weather conditions are expected to change from late evening onwards, with light to moderate rainfall likely in parts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Solan districts. The wet spell could continue across the plains and mid-hills until October 9, before easing significantly from October 10.
Yellow Alert for Rain, Lightning and Strong Winds
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the next four days, warning of heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds in isolated areas, particularly during afternoon and evening hours. The impact of the western disturbance is expected to be more pronounced in the higher reaches, where parts of Kangra, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti may receive light snowfall. A drop in temperatures could bring an early winter-like feel to these regions.
Temperatures Stay Unusually High
Despite October being well underway, many parts of Himachal continue to record temperatures above normal. Over the last 24 hours, daytime temperatures in several districts remained 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than average.
Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 25.4°C, while Keylong was nearly 9 degrees above normal at 24.3°C. Kalpa also reported a warm 25.4°C. In the lower districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi and Una, temperatures hovered between 32°C and 34°C, with Una emerging as the hottest place in the state.
Monsoon’s Late Exit After Delayed Arrival
The 2026 monsoon season was unusual from the start. It entered Himachal around June 30, about six days later than normal, and became active across the state by July 1. Its departure was delayed as well, with the monsoon withdrawing on October 3 instead of around September 25, its usual exit date.
Rainfall Below Average, But Still in the Normal Range
Overall, Himachal received around 11 percent less rainfall than normal during the monsoon season. However, the deficit still falls within the India Meteorological Department’s “normal” category.
Lahaul-Spiti recorded the biggest shortfall, receiving nearly 65 percent less rainfall than usual, while Hamirpur saw a 34 percent deficit. Solan and Mandi also received below-normal rainfall. In contrast, Kinnaur and Shimla recorded excess rainfall compared to their seasonal averages.
Wetter Post-Monsoon Season Expected
Looking ahead, weather experts are forecasting above-normal rainfall during the post-monsoon months of October, November and December. However, rainfall during October alone may remain below average in several areas, even as daytime temperatures are expected to stay warmer than usual.
With rain, thunder and the season’s first spell of snowfall on the horizon, Himachal’s transition from autumn to winter appears set to gather pace in the coming days.
