Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a significant and long-awaited spell of snowfall and rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an Orange Alert for February 27 and 28, cautioning against heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain across multiple districts. A Yellow Alert has also been sounded for February 25 and 26, marking the onset of a prolonged wet spell expected to last until March 1, 2025. This weather event, driven by a Western Disturbance advancing from north Iran, is set to break the state’s persistent dry spell, which has pushed Himachal Pradesh toward drought-like conditions with severely deficient rainfall and widespread agricultural distress.
With the arrival of this long-anticipated precipitation, the mountainous districts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur are expected to witness intense snowfall and rain, posing both immediate challenges and long-term relief. The Orange Alert for February 27 and 28 signals a period of widespread disruption, with heavy snow accumulation anticipated to block key highways and internal roads, severely hampering transportation and connectivity. Snow-laden roads, low visibility, and sub-zero temperatures will make travel perilous, increasing the risk of skidding accidents and vehicle collisions. Authorities have warned of potential road closures in high-altitude regions, particularly in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba, where the snowfall is expected to be most intense.
Beyond transportation challenges, power and communication infrastructure may also take a hit, with heavy snowfall potentially snapping electricity lines and disrupting mobile and internet services in remote areas. Tourist hotspots like Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Solang Valley, Dalhousie, and Sissu are likely to witness significant snowfall, drawing visitors but also raising concerns over road blockages and temporary shutdowns of transport services. The public is urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed about changing weather conditions.
Ahead of this severe weather phase, a Yellow Alert on February 25 and 26 warns of light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall with thunderstorms in lower hills and plains. While not as intense as the Orange Alert period, these preliminary weather conditions may still lead to localized disruptions, with isolated heavy snowfall posing a risk to road connectivity and essential services. Thunderstorm activity could elevate the risk of lightning strikes, necessitating precautions such as staying indoors and avoiding open areas, water bodies, and electrical installations.
One of the most pressing concerns over the past months has been the extraordinary rainfall deficit, which reached 94% in January, causing a severe moisture crisis across agricultural lands. The extended dry spell has crippled Rabi crops, off-season vegetables, and key fruit-bearing orchards, including apple, cherry, and stone fruit plantations, which rely on winter precipitation for optimal yields. Water supply schemes across the state have also struggled to maintain adequate reserves, with hydropower projects facing reduced output due to dwindling water sources. The upcoming snowfall and rain are expected to alleviate this crisis, replenishing groundwater levels, reviving dried-up streams, and restoring crucial drinking water supplies for major towns.
While immediate challenges such as transportation woes, power disruptions, and extreme cold conditions will test the resilience of residents and authorities alike, the long-term benefits of this wet spell cannot be overstated. Farmers and orchardists, who have been anxiously awaiting precipitation to rescue their struggling crops, are looking at this weather event as a potential turning point for theseason. Additionally, hydropower generation—one of the state’s economic lifelines—is set to regain stability as reservoirs and rivers get recharged.
Authorities have urged the public to brace for severe weather conditions, advising people to limit travel, stock up on essentials, wear layered warm clothing, and secure their homes and livestock against extreme cold. Motorists should exercise caution, use snow chains, and avoid night travel, especially in snow-prone regions. Residents in landslide-prone areas should stay alert and follow local advisories.
This impending wet spell is not just a meteorological event but a much-needed intervention in restoring environmental balance, mitigating the water crisis, and ensuring the sustenance of Himachal’s agrarian economy. While it brings short-term hardships, the long-term gains in agriculture, water security, and hydroelectric power generation make it a welcome phenomenon for the region. As the state prepares for this transformational weather shift, residents, farmers, and officials remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that nature’s delayed generosity will set the course for a better season ahead.
