Shimla, October 20 (Udaipur Kiran): Himachal Pradesh enjoyed bright sunshine and pleasant weather on Diwali day, Monday, with clear skies across the state. In the hill regions, including the capital Shimla, the morning sun brought much-needed relief from the chill, while plains experienced mild humidity due to the bright sunlight.
However, the weather is expected to change from Tuesday. According to the Meteorological Department, a western disturbance is likely to become active, bringing rain and snowfall to the higher reaches of the state between October 21 and 23. A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms and lightning on October 21 in some areas. The weather is predicted to clear up again between October 24 and 26.
The department has forecast snowfall in the higher regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and upper Chamba, which may lead to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the state. The Shimla Meteorological Centre said that cold winds will start blowing due to the approaching western disturbance, causing temperatures to dip in most districts. However, the system is expected to remain weak, mainly affecting high-altitude areas, while plains and mid-hill regions will see only minor changes.
The state had seen clear weather for the past two weeks, with the last instance of light snowfall recorded in early October. Since then, days have remained warmer than usual, though nights have turned colder, particularly in the tribal regions where a cold wave has already set in.
Chilling conditions have been reported from Keylong, Kukumseri, Tabo, Kalpa, and upper Kinnaur, where residents are experiencing freezing mornings and evenings. The cold is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
On Monday, the state’s average minimum temperature rose slightly by 0.3°C. As per the Met Department’s daily report, the minimum temperatures recorded were: Shimla 13.2°C, Sundernagar 11.9°C, Bhuntar 9.5°C, Kalpa 4.6°C, Dharamshala 12.2°C, Una 12°C, Nahan 17.8°C, Keylong 1.4°C, Palampur 11.5°C, Solan 10.6°C, Manali 7.5°C, Kangra 13.6°C, Mandi 13.3°C, Bilaspur 15.9°C, Hamirpur 12.6°C, Kufri 11.6°C, Kukumseri 1.2°C, Narkanda 9.4°C, Reckong Peo 7.9°C, and Tabo 3.4°C.
Interestingly, the plains of Hamirpur, Una, and Sundernagar are now recording colder nights than Shimla, with the chill intensifying in the mornings and evenings.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.