TNR News Network
Shimla: The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has predicted more rain and thunderstorms across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday (June 6, 2025) even as the state reels under an extended spell of unseasonal weather.
With showers now occurring almost daily across several regions, many are wondering if the rainy season arrived a month ahead of schedule?
“While the official monsoon is still weeks away, the persistent rain and even snow in higher reaches have given Himachal a monsoon-like feel well in advance,” says Vinay Chauhan, a Shimla resident. However, relief is on the horizon as the weather department expects clear skies to return from Friday.
Snow, rain disrupt life across five districts
On Wednesday, widespread rain was reported from Shimla, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Chamba, while fresh snowfall occurred in higher areas such as Chanshal Pass, Rohtang and the peaks of Lahaul and Chamba. Shimla also experienced hailstorms during the day.
In Chamba’s Sach Pass, where snowfall struck late Tuesday night, 70 stranded tourists were successfully rescued by the local administration and shifted to Pangi. While the Dodra Kwar road has been reopened, Sach Pass remains closed due to heavy snow buildup.
Wintry conditions in June: Locals bring out woollens
With continuous cloud cover, rain and snowfall, June’s usual summer heat has all but vanished. Night temperatures have plunged, particularly in Lahaul’s Koksar valley, where the mercury dropped below freezing.
Across hill and plain areas alike, the sudden chill has forced residents to bring out jackets, coats, and sweaters, an unusual sight for this time of year.
The maximum day temperature dropped up to 5°C below normal in many areas. Heavy rain and snowfall that began Tuesday night persisted through Wednesday, bringing bitter cold to regions like Lahaul, Pangi and Kinnaur where conditions are being compared to December-like weather in June.
Record rainfall in many districts
From June 1 to 4, Himachal Pradesh recorded 103% more rainfall than normal, logging 14 mm against the average 6.9 mm for the period. The surge in precipitation was particularly high in Bilaspur (+393%), Sirmaur (+361%), Shimla (+280%), Solan (+233%), Mandi (+134%) and Hamirpur (+129%). However, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, and Una saw below-normal rainfall, down by 47%, 6%, and 20% respectively.
