Shimla, March 22: Himachal Pradesh is set to witness largely dry weather over the coming days, with isolated thunderstorms early this week and a fresh western disturbance likely to impact the state from March 26 onwards, according to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla.
The forecast issued on March 22, 2026 indicates dry conditions on March 22, followed by scattered to isolated activity between March 23 and March 28. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) are likely at isolated places on March 23 and around March 27.
The prevailing conditions come after a spell of rain and snowfall between March 20 and 21, when an active western disturbance impacted the region. Higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba and Kangra districts received snowfall, with Keylong and Gondhla recording around 10–15 cm of fresh snow, while other high-altitude areas also witnessed light to moderate accumulation.
Following this spell, weather activity eased. In the past 24 hours (till March 22 morning), only isolated rainfall was recorded, with Sarahan receiving 9.5 mm, and no snowfall reported during this period. Dense fog reduced visibility to 100 metres in Mandi, while moderate fog was observed in Sundernagar.
Temperature trends remained mixed. Maximum temperatures witnessed a marked rise, though still remained 2–6°C below normal at most places, with Neri recording the highest at 25.2°C. Minimum temperatures showed little change, with the lowest recorded at Kukumseri (-3.1°C).
Key minimum temperatures included Shimla (7.4°C), Manali (2.9°C), Kalpa (1.2°C) and Dharamshala (9.5°C), indicating continued chill in higher reaches.
With no major warnings for most of the forecast period, the week ahead is expected to remain largely stable.
However, brief thunderstorm activity on March 23 and 27, followed by another lean western disturbance after March 26, may trigger short spells of rain and snowfall in higher hills once again.
