Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude areas have been blanketed in fresh snow, bringing a wave of winter chill across the state.
Since Wednesday night, intermittent snowfall has been reported in the higher reaches of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur, Kangra and Sirmaur districts. The lower areas have experienced rainfall, further intensifying the cold wave.
Shimla city recorded light snow along with rain, while Dharamshala continues to experience steady rainfall. The Dhauladhar mountain range also witnessed fresh snowfall, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.
Weather forecast: More snow and rain expected
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has predicted rain and snowfall in the mid and high hills on January 16, 21 and 22.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the lower hills and plains. Additionally, light snow and rain may occur in the mid and high-altitude regions between January 17 and 20.
A dense fog alert has been issued for scattered locations in the lower hills and plains.
Traffic disruptions in snowbound areas
Fresh snowfall, ranging from one to three inches, in areas like Narkanda has disrupted traffic.
Slippery roads have blocked the highway in the Narkanda region, forcing authorities to divert vehicles via the Luhri-Sunni route.
Machinery has been deployed to clear the snow and restore road connectivity. Similarly, slippery conditions on roads in Chharabra, Kufri and Fagu have affected vehicular movement, while the upper Shimla regions of Khidki and Kharapathar remain inaccessible due to heavy snow.
Snowfall brings travel woes in Chamba district
The tribal regions of Bharmour, Pangi, Churah, Salooni and Kihar in Chamba district have begun receiving heavy snowfall, while the lower areas are experiencing steady rain.
The weather shift has significantly increased the chill, with snow halting traffic on several key routes. Teams have been dispatched to clear the roads.
Dalhousie’s Lakkarmandi and Dainkund have turned into winter wonderlands, wrapped in a white blanket of snow.
BRO makes efforts to maintain connectivity in Lahaul-Spiti
In Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu, snowfall and rain have disrupted daily life. The Atal Tunnel in Rohtang is witnessing heavy snowfall, resulting in a complete halt in vehicular movement between Manali and Keylong.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is tirelessly working to clear snow along critical stretches, including Sissu and the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, to ensure smoother connectivity.
Cold wave to intensify, dense fog alert issued
The maximum temperature across the state is likely to drop by 3-5°C, while the minimum may fall by 2-4°C over the next three to four days.
A yellow alert has been issued for dense fog in lower hills and plains from January 15 to 20, warning travellers of reduced visibility.
