Himachal Weather Alert: Rain and snowfall likely across state from Feb 9
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), February 08, 2026: Himachal Pradesh will see clear skies on Sunday, February 8, but a change in weather is expected from Monday due to the activation of a new western disturbance.
Rain and snowfall are forecast in high-altitude regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu on February 9, extending to the entire state by February 10.
The state enjoyed sunny weather on Saturday, with Una recording a maximum temperature of 25.6°C. However, cold wave conditions continue in several districts. On Friday night, temperatures dropped below 5°C in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, and Solan, with other areas also experiencing chilly conditions.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, the western disturbance will bring widespread rain and snowfall from February 9 to 11.
A yellow alert has been issued for strong winds of 30–40 km/h, thunderstorms, and lightning in multiple regions. Clear weather is expected to return from February 12. Minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 2–3°C over the next 48 hours, followed by a slight drop of 2–3°C in the following days.
The Himalayan range has received five snowfalls since January 23. Continuous snowfall over the past 11 days in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, along with regions in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, has deposited thick layers of snow, ranging from 15 to 20 feet, on glaciers.
This snowfall is crucial for glaciers facing the impacts of rising temperatures and climate change. The fresh snow slows melting by protecting older ice layers through the albedo effect, which reduces heat absorption from sunlight.
Major glaciers, including Siachen, Kolahoi, Drung-Drung, Machhoi, and Thajiwas in Kashmir, as well as glaciers in Lahaul-Spiti and the Chandrabhaga Valley, are benefitting from this natural protective cover.