Snow, showers hit higher reaches of Himachal

The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh witnessed the season’s first light snowfall accompanied by intermittent rainfall on Wednesday, leading to a noticeable dip in temperatures across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the highest snowfall at 11.4 cm. Light snowfall was also reported from the upper regions of Chamba and Kinnaur.

Rainfall was widespread across mid and lower hills, with Kothi in Kullu district receiving 23 mm, followed by Manali with 12 mm, Keylong 6 mm, Bhuntar 3.6 mm and Kukumseri 1.2 mm.

Despite the wet spell, minimum temperatures remained above normal by 2°C to 5°C, ranging between minus 1°C and 18°C, while maximum temperatures hovered 2°C to 3°C above normal, between 17°C and 34°C. The Met office has predicted dry weather across Himachal till October 28. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain stable, though minimum temperatures may drop by 1°C to 2°C over the next three days.

Shimla and Dharamsala both recorded a minimum of 12.6°C, while Manali registered 7.4°C. In other areas, Bhuntar recorded 14°C, Kufri 10.4°C, Narkanda 8.9°C, and Kalpa 4.9°C. Among the plains, Una remained the hottest at 33.5°C, while Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest at minus 0.7°C, marking a sharp contrast across the hill state’s diverse climatic zones.