Shimla, Oct 7,
The North-Western Himalayan region has been hit by an intense bout of early winter weather as the remnants of Cyclone ‘Shakhti’ interacted with an active Western Disturbance, bringing widespread rain, heavy snowfall, and plunging temperatures across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert, warning of severe travel disruptions and potential flash floods in vulnerable areas.
In Himachal Pradesh, the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur have received heavy snowfall since Monday night. The district headquarters of Keylong witnessed its first major spell of the season, recording 20 cm of snow, while Gondla received 26.5 cm and Kukumseri 5.6 cm till 8:30 am today. The Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu administrations have issued a strict travel advisory for the Atal Tunnel Rohtang (ATR), allowing only 4×4 vehicles to pass and mandating the use of snow chains. Commuters have been advised to avoid the route unless absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, low and mid-hill regions have been lashed by heavy rain. Sirmaur’s Pachhad and Jatton Barrage recorded 60 mm of rainfall, while Solan, Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala reported between 20 mm and 50 mm. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph in several districts including Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Lahaul-Spiti.
The weather department attributed the current spell to the interaction between the deep depression (remnants of Cyclone ‘Shakhti’) over the Arabian Sea and a Western Disturbance over North Rajasthan, forming an extensive upper-air cyclonic circulation that has triggered widespread instability across the Himalayan belt.
Similar conditions have been reported from Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, where higher reaches such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gulmarg are experiencing snowfall accompanied by strong winds. Authorities have cautioned that temporary structures, vulnerable slopes, and water bodies are at risk of damage or overflow.
The State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) have urged people to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks and high-altitude roads, and follow official advisories. Livestock owners have been asked to shelter animals safely and avoid outdoor movement at night.
Though the system is expected to weaken gradually, with light rain or isolated snow likely from October 8–9, officials warned that travel conditions remain hazardous. Visibility has dropped drastically in several areas, and rescue teams are on alert to respond to any emergencies.
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