Himachal wakes up to ‘fresh Snow and Rain’ after prolonged dry weather
Shimla, Feb 20,
After weeks of dry weather and several missed predictions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the much-awaited rain and snowfall have finally graced Himachal Pradesh. The weather took a turn in the early hours of today, bringing widespread precipitation across the state, impacting road connectivity and travel conditions. The Lahaul-Spiti region has recorded fresh snowfall, leading to multiple road closures. The Lahaul-Spiti Police have issued a travel advisory, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel due to snowfall near the ATR Tunnel.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/himachal-faces-worst-january-dry-spell-with-84-rainfall-deficit/
According to the latest road status report, heavy snowfall has forced the closure of key routes, including Darcha to Shinkula and Darcha to Sarchu (NH-003 Leh), which will remain shut until summer 2025. Other roads, such as Koksar to Manali via Rohtang and Koksar to Losar via Kunzum Top, are also inaccessible. However, the Keylong to Atal Tunnel and ATR to Manali routes remain open but are accessible only to 4×4 vehicles due to 2-4 inches of snow accumulation at the portals. In Kullu district, authorities have warned of poor visibility, slippery roads, and potential disruptions due to ongoing snowfall and rain. The Shimla-Narkanda highway (NH-05) remains slippery, with traffic being diverted through alternative routes via Luhri and Sunni.
Fresh precipitation recorded till 8:30 AM today includes significant rainfall in Baijnath (9.1 mm), Gohar (9 mm), Una (8 mm), Kangra and Guler (7.8 mm), Palampur (7.4 mm), Jogindernagar (7 mm), Sundernagar and Seobagh in Kullu (6 mm), Manali (5 mm), and Chopal (4.6 mm).
Snowfall has also been reported in Shillaroo (5 cm), Gondla (3 cm), Kalpa (1.3 cm), Sangla (0.3 cm), and Keylong (trace).
Minimum temperatures have also dropped across major locations, with Shimla recording 3.2°C, Bhuntar Airport 9.5°C, Kalpa 0.2°C, Dharamshala 4.8°C, Una 8.6°C, Nahan 9°C, Keylong -2.3°C, Solan 6.4°C, Manali 4.3°C, Kangra 11°C, Mandi 10.3°C, Bilaspur 11.9°C, Chamba 10.4°C, Dalhousie 2.6°C, and Jubberhati Airport 6.8°C.
The Meteorological Department has predicted continued snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in lower areas over the next 12 hours. Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected in some parts of Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. Authorities have warned of potential disruptions, including reduced visibility, increased risks of vehicle skidding and traffic congestion, as well as interruptions to routine business activities, particularly in higher altitude regions.
Travelers have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, drive cautiously on slippery roads, and follow local administration guidelines. Those in need of emergency assistance or road-related support can contact the District Disaster Control Room at 9459461355 or the Control Room at 8988092298. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and deploy resources for road clearance where possible. Travelers are urged to stay updated with official advisories and take necessary precautions while moving through affected regions.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.