Bright Sunshine in Himachal Pradesh, Clear Skies Expected Until Diwali; Tourist Influx Rises

Himachal Pradesh enjoyed bright sunshine on Thursday morning as pleasant weather continued across the hill state for the seventh straight day. The clear skies and mild temperatures have drawn tourists from across the country, bringing renewed bustle to popular hill stations.

According to the Meteorological Department, the weather across the state is expected to remain dry and clear until Diwali, with both day and night temperatures likely to stay close to normal. At present, the state’s average minimum temperature is 0.6°C above normal, while maximum temperatures remain within the seasonal range.

Over the past 24 hours, Shimla, Kalpa, and Reckong Peo recorded a slight drop in maximum temperatures. Reckong Peo saw a decline of 3.4°C to 24.0°C, while Kalpa dipped by 3.0°C to 20.8°C. Shimla’s maximum temperature fell by 1.4°C to 21.0°C.

The highest temperature in the state was recorded in Una at 31.7°C, followed by Hamirpur at 31.2°C and Bilaspur at 29.8°C. In the hill regions, Shimla registered 21.0°C (max) and 11.4°C (min), while Dharamshala recorded 26.1°C (max) and 11.4°C (min). Kalpa in Kinnaur remained among the coldest locations with 20.8°C (max) and 5.5°C (min). Manali recorded 22.0°C during the day and 7.9°C at night. Other notable readings included Solan (27.0°C), Mandi (26.4°C), and Kufri (17.4°C).

Kalpa recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state, while Bilaspur and Mandi experienced relatively warmer nights with temperatures staying above 16°C. Overall, the Met Department reported clear skies and pleasant weather across Himachal.

Palampur recorded a minimum of 11°C, around 3°C below normal. The department forecast a gradual drop in night temperatures after October 22, while daytime temperatures are expected to remain steady.

No rainfall is expected across most parts of the state in the coming days. However, higher altitude regions may experience colder nights and early-morning chill as temperatures dip slightly.

The spell of good weather has provided a boost to Himachal’s tourism sector. Tourist destinations such as Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, and Shimla are witnessing steady footfall. Hoteliers report a surge in advance bookings for the festive season, with most properties already nearing full occupancy.

For locals, the stable weather has brought much-needed relief. Farmers are busy harvesting paddy, and those who have completed the process have started preparing for Rabi sowing under the clear autumn skies.