Himachal Pradesh sees fresh snowfall, heavy rain; orange alert issued across key districts
PTC Web Desk: Himachal Pradesh witnessed fresh snowfall across higher altitudes, including the strategic Atal Tunnel Rohtang, while widespread rainfall lashed the plains and lower regions from Thursday afternoon onwards, significantly impacting weather conditions across the state.
Following the latest spell of snowfall, authorities have restricted vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel, allowing only four-by-four vehicles to ply as a precautionary measure.
According to rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours, Manali received the highest precipitation at 53 mm, followed by Tissa in Chamba with 33 mm. Other areas, including Sarahan, Seobagh, Bhuntar, Shimla, Bharmour, Dharamshala, Bhatiyat, Sangla and Jogindernagar, also recorded moderate to heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 48 hours in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi and Shimla. The department has also warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds gusting up to 40–50 kmph during this period.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious, while tourists have been urged to avoid travel to higher altitude regions amid the prevailing weather conditions.
Except for Kinnaur, which remains outside the warning zone, all other districts are under a yellow alert. The weather office has predicted one or two intense spells of snowfall in higher reaches over the next two days.
The sudden shift in weather has brought back January-like cold conditions across the state. The average maximum temperature has dropped by around 5°C below normal, with some areas witnessing a decline of up to 11°C.
Chamba recorded the steepest fall, with its maximum temperature dropping by 11.1°C to settle at 16.8°C. In Mandi, the temperature fell by 7.8°C to 20.8°C, while Solan recorded 18°C after a drop of 7.4°C. Una saw a decrease of 6.4°C, bringing the maximum down to 23.4°C, while Manali recorded 14°C, down by 3.9°C from normal levels.
The IMD has forecast a further drop in temperatures over the next three days. However, from March 21 onwards, the western disturbance influencing the region is expected to weaken, leading to clearer weather conditions. Light snowfall may continue in isolated higher-altitude areas, while the rest of the state is likely to witness improved weather over the following days.
- With inputs from agencies
