Shimla, February 5: The prolonged dry spell in Himachal Pradesh has finally come to an end with fresh snowfall and widespread rainfall across the state, bringing much-needed relief to farmers and apple growers. The snow-laden landscapes have also boosted tourism in the region, attracting large numbers of visitors to popular destinations such as Manali, Narkanda, and Kufri.
Snowfall Brings Cheer to Tourists and Farmers
Since Tuesday night, the weather conditions across Himachal Pradesh have changed significantly. While higher altitudes received fresh snowfall, the lower regions experienced heavy rains. Districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Shimla, Chamba, and Sirmaur recorded substantial snowfall. Tourist hotspots, including Manali, Narkanda, Kufri, and Solang Valley, have been blanketed in snow, much to the delight of tourists.
Heavy Snow in Rohtang and High Mountain Passes, Disruptions in Lahaul-Spiti
The renowned Rohtang Pass and other high-altitude passes such as Shinkula, Baralacha, and Kunzum witnessed heavy snowfall, cutting off access to several areas. Both ends of the Atal Tunnel are covered in snow, while peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Makrved, Shikar Ved, Indrakila, Chandrakhani, Hamta, and Bhrigu have also received fresh snowfall. The Lady of Keylong, Neelkanth, and Chandratal peaks are now enveloped in a thick white blanket.
Due to heavy snowfall, transportation in Lahaul-Spiti has been severely affected. Authorities have advised travelers to exercise caution as several roads remain blocked. Narkanda, Kufri, and Chanshal in Shimla district have also experienced fresh snowfall, leading to temporary disruptions on some highways, particularly on the Shimla-Rampur National Highway near Narkanda.
Heavy Rain and Storms in the Plains, Uprooted Trees Disrupt Traffic
In the plains, the weather turned severe on Tuesday night, with strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall lashing parts of Kangra district. In Dadasiba-Dhaliara, heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds led to the uprooting of several trees, blocking roads. A tree fell on the Batwada village road, briefly halting traffic before being cleared by the Public Works Department using JCB machines.
Additionally, power outages were reported in some areas due to storm damage.
Recorded Snowfall and Rainfall in Key Locations
According to the Meteorological Department, several parts of Himachal Pradesh recorded significant snowfall and rainfall:
Top Snowfall Recorded:
- Kothi: 33 cm
- Gondla: 11 cm
- Keylong: 9 cm
- Kukumseri & Bharmour: 8 cm
- Manali: 7 cm
- Jot: 6 cm
- Kalpa, Shilaroo & Khadrala: 5 cm each
- Kufri: 4 cm
Top Rainfall Recorded:
- Salooni: 44 mm (highest)
- Kasol: 30 mm
- Karsog: 24 mm
- Bhuntar: 21 mm
- Jogindernagar: 19 mm
- Banjar: 18 mm
- Shimla: 16 mm
Temperature Drops Sharply Across the State
The cold wave has intensified across Himachal Pradesh, with four towns recording sub-zero temperatures:
- Tabo: -4.3°C
- Keylong: -4.2°C
- Kukumseri: -0.9°C
- Kalpa: -1°C
Other key temperature readings include:
- Shimla: 3.3°C
- Manali & Bharmour: 0.2°C
- Dalhousie: 0.4°C
With the sharp drop in temperature, the chill has gripped the entire state, forcing locals and tourists to layer up against the biting cold.
Weather Forecast: Clear Skies for Two Days, More Snowfall from February 8
The Meteorological Department has forecast light snowfall and rain in higher altitudes on Wednesday, with thunderstorms expected in some regions.
While February 6 and 7 are expected to have clear skies, the department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in the plains. A fresh Western Disturbance is set to become active between February 8 and 11, bringing another round of snowfall in the hills and rainfall in lower regions.
Fresh Snowfall in Manali, Narkanda, and Kufri; Heavy Rains Lash Plains in Himachal Pradesh
