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Light snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal
The authorities said thousands of tourists have entered the state over the past two days, boosting hotel occupancy and crowding popular hill destinations.
According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at a few places across the state on December 31, 2025, and at many places on January 1, 2026. (Express Photo)
Light snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while the weather in Shimla remained cloudy on Wednesday as the state prepared to welcome New Year amid a heavy influx of tourists.
The authorities said thousands of tourists have entered the state over the past two days, boosting hotel occupancy and crowding popular hill destinations.
Tribal district Lahaul-Spiti’s Kokhsar witnessed the first snowfall of December on Wednesday. According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at a few places across the state on December 31, 2025, and at many places on January 1, 2026. Light rain or snow may also occur at isolated places on January 2, 5 and 6, 2026, while dry weather is expected to prevail during the remaining days of the week. Minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 4–7°C in mid and high hill areas and by 3–5°C in low hills and plains over the next two days, followed by a gradual rise of 3–5°C thereafter. Maximum temperatures are expected to decline by 3–5°C over many parts of the state during the next three to four days.
The weather department said that the Himachal Pradesh recorded 99 per cent deficient rainfall between December 1 and 30, with only 0.2 mm rain against a normal of 36.2 mm.
Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan said, “State capital Shimla is fully geared up for New Year celebrations, with festivities planned till midnight at the historic Ridge. Cultural programmes under the Winter Carnival will continue till 12 night, followed by DJ nights.”
To welcome New Year, tourists and locals had started gathering at The Mall road and the Ridge in high numbers since afternoon. At least five small band parties, including folk artists and police band teams, were placed at different locations for playing their instruments. A wide space before The Town Hall was specially earmarked for the mass dance and big natti (traditional Himachali dance).
Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi said, “Over 400 police personnel, including traffic cops, except for reserved battalions, were deputed to maintain law and order situation in the crowded places, including the Ridge, The Mall road, Chaura Maidan, Summer Hill, Sanjauli, Chhota Shimla, Kufri and other popular destinations in the district.”
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