A new western disturbance brought widespread rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh, significantly lowering temperatures across the state. Keylong witnessed the heaviest snowfall at 20 cm, while several regions experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.
According to data from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla recorded at 8:30 am, higher altitude areas in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts received substantial snowfall. Other notable snowfall readings include Jot with 12 cm, Kukumseri 11.2 cm, Kalpa 8.8 cm, Hansa 7.5 cm, Manali 5 cm, and Sangla 4.5 cm.
The fresh snowfall disrupted daily life in high-altitude regions and intensified cold wave conditions. Roads in upper areas became slippery, although major routes remained accessible. In Kullu district, a tourist vehicle skidded off the road near Dundhi Nalah. In a separate incident near Solang, a car lost control on black ice, but the driver managed to stop it by steering it toward a wall.
Mid and lower hill regions recorded widespread rainfall. Seobagh received the highest rainfall at 32.8 mm, followed closely by Sarahan at 32.5 mm, Bhunter at 30.4 mm, and Jogindernagar at 30 mm. Other areas such as Dharamshala (28.2 mm), Palampur (22.2 mm), Gohar (22 mm), and Manali (21 mm) also reported significant rainfall.
Additional precipitation was recorded in Neri (19.5 mm), Bhabanagar (18.6 mm), Nadaun (18 mm), Bhareri (17.4 mm), and Kangra (17 mm), indicating widespread weather activity across the region.
The weather system caused a noticeable drop in minimum temperatures. Shimla recorded 6°C, Sundernagar 5.4°C, Bhuntar 2.1°C, while Kalpa dipped below freezing at -3°C. Dharamshala recorded 8.6°C, Una 9°C, and Manali 0.2°C. Kukumseri was the coldest place in the state at -4.6°C, highlighting severe cold conditions in tribal areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued unsettled weather, with chances of light to moderate rain and snowfall in the coming days, along with isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Experts noted that this spell of precipitation is beneficial for Rabi crops, apple orchards, and off-season vegetables, as it helps restore soil moisture after a prolonged dry period. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to remain cautious in snow-affected and rain-hit areas, as winter conditions have intensified once again across Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
