SHIMLA, DEC 31, 2025: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received the season’s first snowfall on Wednesday, ending a prolonged dry spell and bringing relief to residents and tourists in several hill districts.
Light snow was reported from Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and parts of Kullu, according to the state Meteorological Department. Officials said the snowfall was accompanied by very light precipitation at isolated places across the high hills over the past 24 hours.
“The higher reaches have received light snowfall today, while plains and mid-hill regions largely remained dry,” a Meteorological Department official said. “Snow and rain activity is expected to continue across the state till January 2.”
The department said dry weather conditions are likely to prevail from January 3 to January 4, before another spell of snow and rain returns to the higher reaches on January 5 and 6.
Despite the snowfall, temperatures remained above normal across most parts of the state. Minimum temperatures were recorded 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, ranging between minus 3 degrees Celsius and 11 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures were also around 3 degrees Celsius above normal, ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius.
Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 8.7 degrees Celsius, while Manali recorded 6.7 degrees Celsius. Kalpa registered a low of 2.1 degrees Celsius and Kukumseri village in Lahaul and Spiti remained the coldest place in the state at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Solan was the warmest location, recording a maximum temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, the department said.
