Himachal Pradesh experienced isolated rainfall and widespread snowfall in higher altitudes over the past 24 hours, while minimum temperatures rose notably at several locations, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Tuesday. The IMD’s Shimla Meteorological Centre stated that heavy snowfall occurred in Lahaul-Spiti and neighboring high-altitude and tribal areas, with Gondla receiving 22 cm, Kukumseri 21.3 cm, Kothi 20 cm, and Koksar 19 cm of snow. Keylong recorded 12.5 cm, while Kalpa and Sangla reported 5.5 cm and 1.8 cm, respectively.

Parts of Chamba and Kullu districts saw light to moderate rainfall, with Saloni receiving 9.3 mm and Manali 6 mm. Thunderstorms were observed in Shimla, and shallow fog reduced visibility to around 500 metres in Kalpa. Gusty winds, reaching up to 52 kmph, were reported in Kufri and Narkanda.

The IMD noted that minimum temperatures increased by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal in several areas, though maximum temperatures largely remained below normal. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum at –8.9°C, while Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur recorded the highest maximum at 23°C.

For January 27, the weather office forecast isolated rain and snowfall across the state, with possible thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, occasionally reaching 60 kmph in isolated areas. Cold-day conditions are expected in parts of the lower and mid-hills, with isolated locations experiencing cold waves and dense fog over the coming days. The IMD also indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to impact northwest India from the night of January 30, bringing another round of rain and snowfall to Himachal Pradesh.