Himachal begins recovery as Sunny Weather follows week of Snow and Rain

Shimla, March 5,

A week of inclement weather, marked by fresh rain and snowfall, has slowed restoration efforts in snowbound areas of Himachal Pradesh. However, with mainly sunny weather on Wednesday, life is gradually returning to normal. The India Meteorological Department reported that Kukumseri recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at -12.5°C, while Paonta Sahib was the warmest on Tuesday with a maximum of 26°C.

Higher reaches of Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti experienced light snowfall over the past 24 hours, with Khadrala receiving 7 cm and Kukumseri 1.5 cm.

Several places also recorded rainfall, including Nahan (16.8 mm), Dalhousie (7 mm), Jatton Barrage (5 mm), Kasauli (3 mm), Kandaghat (2.8 mm), and Palampur, Bharmaur, and Chamba (2 mm each).

Moderate fog in Mandi reduced visibility to 300 meters, while gusty winds up to 46.3 km/h were reported in Tabo.

A severe cold wave gripped the state on Tuesday, with daytime temperatures staying below freezing in Manali (-0.9°C) and Chamba recording a maximum of just 4.4°C. Minimum temperatures included Keylong (-11°C), Kalpa (-5°C), Dalhousie (1.2°C), Solan (3.9°C), Una (4°C), Shimla and Chamba (4.5°C), Bhuntar (2.2°C), Jubberhatti (6°C), Kangra (4.7°C), Bilaspur (5.7°C), Mandi (6.2°C), and Nahan (12°C).

The Manali-Atal Tunnel road has been partially restored and is now open for 4×4 vehicles, though the stretch between the North Portal and Keylong remains snowbound. According to Lahaul-Spiti SP Dr. Kartikyan Gokulchander, single-lane movement is being allowed from Manali to the North Portal between 10 AM and 1 PM, and from the North Portal to Manali between 2 PM and 4 PM. Similarly, the Karchham-Chhitkul road is open only for 4×4 vehicles due to snow accumulation.

Restoration efforts, however, have been marred by tragedy. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Employees Union reported that three linemen were electrocuted while working to restore power disrupted by the adverse weather.

With dry weather and rising temperatures forecast in the coming days, restoration work is expected to gain momentum across the affected areas

Team Himachal Scape