Shimla: After three back-to-back western disturbances failed to deliver a proper winter punch, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now forecast a strong weather system set to impact Himachal Pradesh from January 22 onwards, bringing widespread rain and snowfall across the state.
Though Lahaul-Spiti received light snowfall last week, most parts of the state remained largely dry over the past 24 hours. Minimum temperatures hovered between -7°C in high hills to 9°C in low hills, while daytime temperatures stayed unusually warm, touching 23.8°C in Una.
What IMD predicts
According to IMD Shimla:
🔹 Jan 19-21:
Dry weather to prevail across most parts of the state.
Cold wave conditions likely at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi.
🔹 From Jan 22:
Weather will turn active as a fresh western disturbance hits northwest India.
Jan 22: Light to moderate rain/snow at many places
Jan 23:
Widespread rain and snowfall across Himachal
Heavy snowfall likely in high-altitude areas including Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and upper Kullu
Jan 24: Continued light to moderate rain/snow
Jan 25: Weather likely to improve
Thunderstorm alert
Thunderstorms with lightning are likely at isolated places in mid and low hill districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur on January 22 and 23.
Temperature outlook
No major change in temperatures for next 2-3 days
Thereafter:
Night temperatures may rise by 2-3°C
Day temperatures may drop by 4-6°C due to cloud cover and precipitation
Impact zones
High hills: Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, upper Kullu & Mandi
Middle hills: Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, parts of Chamba
Low hills/plains: Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, parts of Kangra
IMD advisory
The road blocks, power disruptions and low visibility in snowfall areas
Risk of landslides in vulnerable zones
Commuters advised to check traffic updates before travel
Residents in riverine and low-lying areas asked to remain cautious
With an intense western disturbance expected on January 23, IMD warns that this could be the season’s strongest spell so far, finally ending the prolonged dry streak over Himachal.
