Snow and Rain in Himachal Pradesh from January 16-19
Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s most in-demand hill stations, is to witness snowfall and rain from January 16 to 19, 2025, with the fresh western disturbance approaching the state. The local meteorological office has issued a warning about inclement weather, which is expected to affect the middle and higher reaches of the state, including popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Narkanda, and Dalhousie. With winter in full swing, tourists planning to visit the region need to be prepared for the upcoming weather changes and take necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Western Disturbance and Its Impact
The new Western Disturbance is to envelop northwest India from January 14 night onward. The fresh spells of rain and snow are to occur in most parts of Himachal Pradesh, especially in middle to high hills areas. These may affect both the tribal areas and tourist destinations; hence it becomes an important update for anyone who is planning to visit that region. The disturbance is expected to strengthen around January 16, with the chances of increased precipitation in the coming days.
Snowfall and Rain: What’s happening around the region?
The weather in Himachal Pradesh has already begun to indicate a change since January 14. Separately, snowfall and rain were reported on Sunday night from isolated places across the state. Gondla area of Lahaul-Spiti district received 1 cm of snow. Kalpa in Kinnaur recorded 0.4 cm. Traces of snow were also seen in the state capital Shimla, boosting the excitement of visitors who would like to enjoy a winter wonderland.
Precipitation in many parts of the state has occurred between January 13 and 14, during which Bharmaur reported 5 mm, followed by 4.1 mm at Nahan, 3.2 mm at Poanta Sahib, 3 mm at Rajgarh and Banjar, and Dalhousie and Dhaulakuan, each at 2 mm. All these have set the scene perfectly for snows in the following days, accompanied by slightly cooler temperatures.
Cold Wave Conditions: A Significant Drop in Temperatures
Due to the approaching western disturbance, cold wave conditions prevail at the higher heights of Himachal Pradesh. The temperatures at the tribal areas and higher reaches have fallen to freezing point. The lowest temperature recorded was in Kukumseri, which had minus 12.3°C, while Tabo followed with minus 10.9°C, Keylong with minus 8.7°C, and Samdho with minus 7°C. Kalpa is another tourist destination that recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6°C, making it an ideal place for those who want to experience the chill of Himachal’s winters.
Its extreme cold tourist paying there must know it. They should pack adequate winter clothing. So, it may not make those who have not anticipated the extremity of cold feel uncomfortable, especially in higher reaches.
Weather Impact on Tourist Places
In most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, the temperature is around the freezing point-adding allure to the winter season but posing challenges for tourists. Narkanda, which is a famous destination for winter sports, had a night temperature of minus 2.5°C. Manali, which is known for adventure activities and its beautiful landscapes, recorded a temperature of minus 1.1°C. Kufri, which is a town near Shimla, recorded a temperature of minus 0.8°C.
Dalhousie, a scenic hill station in Chamba district, recorded 0.6°C, while Shimla, the capital, had a minimum temperature of 2.4°C. Although the temperatures are that low, tourists are still thronging the place to have a feel of snow and the cold conditions as the state remains the first choice for all those planning a retreat during winter.
Cold Wave in Plains: Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra.
The plains of Himachal Pradesh, including parts of Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra districts, are also seeing a persistent cold wave while the higher reaches of the state are witnessing severe cold conditions. The weather in these areas remains chilly with ground frost in Shimla, Jubbarhatti, and Bilaspur. Dense fog has enveloped areas like Sundernagar, and Mandi has seen moderate fog, making travel conditions more challenging for those in the plains.
Travelers in these areas are also warned to be on the alert because of the fog and frost. They could easily result in a bad sight of visibility of the road that could endanger the commuters especially at early morning and late evening.
Winter Rain Deficit: The Current Situation
Despite the cold wave, Himachal Pradesh has experienced a considerable winter rain deficit during the first 13 days of January 2025. The state received only 4.8 mm of rain, against the normal rainfall of 25.5 mm expected for this period, resulting in a deficit of 81%. This has led to drier conditions in many parts of the state, which could affect the current snowfall and rain events expected in the next few days. The upcoming weather system may help bridge the gap in the rain deficit, especially in areas that rely on snowfall and rain for water resources.
What Tourists Need to Know Before Heading to Himachal Pradesh
For people who are planning to visit Shimla, Manali, and other popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh between January 16 and 19, the weather events to be witnessed during these days bring both excitement and caution. Snow and rain can make the roads slippery, delaying travel. The snow is the perfect opportunity for winter sports, but it also requires one to keep track of the weather forecasts so that any untimely disruption can be avoided.
It is recommended that travelers carry warm woolens, including thermals, jackets, gloves, and snow-gearing footwear. The tourists going on higher altitude ventures are advised to look for road information before venturing out, because sometimes snow can block the remote roads.
Himachal Pradesh-a Winter Wonderland for Tourists
Himachal Pradesh remains the winter destination of tourists looking to experience snowfall, adventure sports, and relaxation. Snow and rain that may fall on the state from 16 to 19 January would further add a glow to it and make the winter vacation at a perfect time in the state. Yet, all of this could pose a great threat to a cold, raining or snowing travel, if people are not alert and cautious to the current forecast. With its ravishing landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Himachal Pradesh remains one of India’s best tourist destinations at the time of winter.
