Shimla: A noticeable change swept through Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday as rain moved back into several valleys and the higher reaches welcomed the first snow of the season. The dual onslaught pushed temperatures lower and amplified the chill throughout the hill state.
Intense Rain and Hail in Palampur
Kangra district saw a particularly vigorous spell of precipitation. Clouds lingered over Dharamshala from early 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 after a spell of clear skies. The sudden deluge threatens crops still in the fields and could complicate post‑harvest handling.
Manali also experienced rainfall, while Shimla stayed largely overcast as temperatures started to dip across many districts.
Snow Begins to Coat Higher Terrains
The elevated zones were the first to feel the shift. Light snow fell in parts of Lahaul‑Spiti, Pangi and Kullu, extending to the upper stretches of the Pir Panjal range and the area around Rohtang Pass.
The fresh white blanket has given the high country an early winter ambience, and officials anticipate further cooling in the coming days.
In Keylong, strong gusts knocked out power for about six hours, highlighting how quickly the weather can affect life at altitude.
Rain and Snow Outlook Through 12 October
The Shimla Meteorological Centre warns that unsettled conditions will linger. From 6‑9 October, light to moderate rain or snow is expected across many parts of the state, especially in the higher terrains.
On 10 October, the plains and lower‑lying districts may see light to moderate rain, with isolated showers possible elsewhere.
Particularly noteworthy are the forecasts for Kinnaur and Lahaul‑Spiti on 8‑9 October, where stronger rain and snowfall could materialise.
Overall, the unsettled pattern may persist until around 12 October, with intensity varying by region.
Temperatures Set to Slide Further
Authorities project a steady decline in temperatures statewide. Minimums are likely to drop by about 2‑4 °C in the next 24 hours across several locations.
Over the following two to three days, another dip of roughly 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 Also on the Horizon
In addition to 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.
