Current weather and temperature in Manali & Himachal

Fresh snowfall in Manali

19 February 2024: Snowfall occuring in Manali, Solang valley, Rohtang pass, Lahaul valley, Spiti and many parts of Himachal. More snowfall predicted in next few days.

31 January 2024: Bringing relief to tourism industry and horticulture sector of Himachal, many parts of the state have received fresh snow and rains. While upper parts of Shimla experienced snowfall, Manali town and Dalhousie also received season’s first snow. Manali has blanketed in white snow. Solang valley, Atal tunnel, Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang pass and Hamta have received heavy snow on Wednesday.

The weather turned favourable on Tuesday evening which brought some snow to the higher regions. Tourists were thrilled to see the snowfall, while farmers and fruit growers are happy as the rain and snow have broken a long-prevailing dry spell. Hoteliers and travel agents believe that snowfall will boost tourism in the state.

According to Met office, more snowfall is expected in the next 48 hours. However, according to weather portal AccuWeather, rains and snowfall may continue in the first week of February. So, those who wish to see fresh snowfall, this is the right time to head to the hills.

Himachal snowfall: 380 roads blocked, avalanche warning issued

380 roads are blocked, electricity and water supply is disrupted as nine districts of Himachal are experiencing fresh snowfall since Friday early morning.

Kullu, Shimla, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Sirmaur, Mandi and Solan districts are receiving snow. Many parts of Kullu-Manali are witnessing heavy snowfall while most areas in the state received light snow. Snowfall affected traffic movement in many areas. The snowfall in many areas is likely to continue for nearly a week as the weatherman has predicted snowfall till January 27.

Atal tunnel’s south portal in Kullu district, which already had nearly two-foot of snow, received 60cm more on Saturday. Solang valley has recorded 45cm more snowfall. The ski slopes here are ready for winter sports events while ski courses are also running here. Manali town recorded 20cm snowfall. Jalori pass and Hamta pass here received over 25cm more snow.

Upper parts of Shimla including Jhakhoo, Narkanda, Kufri, Theog, Kharapathar etc also received light snow. Shimla city received some snowflakes for some time. Upper parts of Solan, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts received light snow. Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti district and Pangi valley of Chamba district, which used to get very heavy snow, are getting very light snow.

380 roads and three national highways are blocked following snowfall. The power supply in many areas was also disrupted. The Manali-Atal tunnel road has again blocked following heavy snowfall in the region. The Kullu-Manali national highway had become slippery at Rangri, 3km before the town, where vehicles had started skidding on the road surface. A total of 53 roads are blocked with snow in Kullu district.

Manali deputy superintendent of police Hem Raj Verma said, “The roads have become slippery. We have asked people not to drive until it is very important. The road to Solang and Atal tunnel has been closed for tourists due to safety reasons.”

Shimla police have also advised tourists not to visit higher areas as snow has made roads very slippery. As many as 68 roads in Shimla district were blocked with snow.

Mandi deputy commissioner Arindam Chaudhary said 29 roads are blocked following snowfall and rains in the district. “The public works department (PWD) has been asked to clear snow and restore traffic on all the roads as soon as possible,” he said.

Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said the entire Lahaul is covered with a thin layer of snow. “Roads are slippery. People should avoid driving during snowfall. A vehicle met with an accident near Kukumseri in Lahaul’s Udaipur sub-division on Saturday. The driver, Rajeev Kumar (43), was lucky to escape without injury. Roads are extremely slippery. People should drive very carefully,” he said.

The snowfall has brought cheer among both tourists and locals. As good snowfall is the source of enough water for drinking and irrigation, good crops and fruits besides tourism, local residents are happy with snowfall and want more. Tourists were seen screaming with joy in the tourist destinations. A large number of tourists are heading towards hill stations to see snow as more snowfall is predicted in the next few days. However, state police have asked tourists to travel only after ensuring weather conditions and drive carefully.

More snowfall predicted with avalanche warning

The state disaster management authority has issued a medium danger level warning for avalanches in the districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti above altitude of 2,500m in the next 24 hours. The chances of avalanche are more in Kullu district between Solang and Atal tunnel, Kothi to Rohtang pass and Lahaul.

Meanwhile, the meteorological centre, Shimla, has predicted more snowfall in the next six days. “Light rain and snow is likely in the isolated areas in mid and high hills of the state on Saturday and Sunday. There are good chances of rain and snow on January 23 while widespread rains and snowfall are predicted for January 24 to 26. There are chances of heavy snowfall on January 25 and 26,” the weatherman said.

Himachal receive overnight snow; Manali dons 30cm white blanket

People in many parts of Himachal on Saturday woke up to a mesmerizing view of the mountains and valleys donning a white mantle. This snowfall was much-awaited after the last one-and-half months went completely dry.

Some parts of the state, including Kullu district, received heavy snow that brought cheer among the residents and tourists. Snowfall continued all night and blocked many roads. According to the state emergency operations centre, as many as 276 roads including four national highways were blocked in the state on Saturday. 172 power distribution transformers were out of order. A death was reported from Solan district while four were injured.

Manali has witnessed a heavy overnight snowfall. The town here received 30cm snow while Solang valley received 60cm of snow. The southern part of the Atal tunnel has recorded over 75cm snow. Many areas were plunged into darkness as transmission cables were snapped by snow. Traffic in and around Manali was affected temporarily. The Manali-Keylong highway via Atal tunnel was completely blocked and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was clearing the snow. The PWD had also swung into action to clear snow from the roads.

Jalori pass and Hamta in Kullu received over 45cm of snow. Malana village received 13cm while Barshaini received 15cm overnight snow. Rohtang pass is expected to have received over 90cm fresh snow.

Shimla city also received 3cm of snow. Kufri (10cm), Theog (5cm), Narkanda (12cm), Khadapathar (15cm), Khidki (12cm), Churdhar (5cm), Kotgarh (3cm) and Dodra Kwar (30cm) in Shimla district also received snow. Shimla district administration issued a travel advisory that upper parts of the district have received 8 to 10cm of snow after which many roads in rural areas including national highway (NH-5) were blocked for traffic movement. The administration on Saturday requested residents and tourists to drive carefully on snow or postpone the unnecessary journey.

Haripurdhar and Nohradhar in Sirmaur district received 5cm and 10cm snow respectively. Bada Bhangal and Triund in Kangra district recorded 15cm and 3cm snow respectively.

In Mandi district, Shikari Devi (13cm), Janjehli (5cm), Chetri (3cm), Barot (8cm) and Khauli (3cm) also received fresh snow. He western disturbance did not bring good snow to the tribal areas of Himachal as only a few parts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti district received light snow. Keylong, Sissu and Koksar in Lahaul recorded 3cm, 15cm and 20cm fresh snowfall respectively. Kalpa (8cm), Pooh (3cm), Sangla (5cm) and Chitkul (5cm) in Kinnaur district received fresh snow. Tribal Killar in Chamba district received 13cm snow.

The snowfall has brought cheer among the hoteliers, farmers, fruit growers and everyone in the state. However, most parts are still waiting for heavy snowfall. It was tourists in the state who enjoyed fresh snowfall at different locations.

The Meteorological centre, Shimla, has predicted dry weather in the state from Sunday to Tuesday. “Another wave of western disturbance will hit the state from January 18 onwards and will bring more rains and snow. The parts of plains and low hills in Himachal will witness dense fog and cold waves in the next three days. Keylong was the coldest in the state at minus 7.2 degrees C,” the weatherman said.

Snowfall in Himachal’s eight districts; avalanche warning issued

Eight districts of Himachal are witnessing light or moderate snowfall while tourist resorts of Manali, Shimla and Dalhousie also received fresh snow. Following snowfall, a moderate avalanche warning has been issued for the higher places.

Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kangra and Mandi districts are experiencing snowfall. South portal of Atal tunnel has received 30cm more snow in the last 24 hours. Solang valley has received 15cm of snow. Manali town received 6cm, Dalhousie received 3cm and Shimla city received some traces. Shikari Devi, Parashar lake and Janjehli in Mandi district also received snow.

Parts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti district received light snow. Bada Bhangal and Triyund in Kangra district, Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district also received snow. Kufri, Theog, Narkanda, Khadapathar, Chanshal, Churdhar, Kotgarh and Bagi in Shimla district also received light snow.

The Aut-Luhri road has been blocked after over 15cm of snow at Jalori pass in Kullu district. The Manali-Keylong highway and Udaipur-Killar roads are also blocked. Traffic movement on many roads in higher regions has come to a standstill following snowfall.

As many as 200 roads and three national highways in Himachal were blocked on Friday. 487 power transformers were also out of order.

An avalanche was reported from Rashal village of Lahaul on Friday. Nobody was hurt in the incident. The incident was recorded on the camera by a villager. High peaks including Rohtang, Shinkula, Baralacha and Kunzum have received heavy snow. A moderate warning for avalanches has been issued in many districts.

Tourists enjoyed the fresh snow in many districts of Himachal. While a large number of tourists enjoyed snowfall at Kufri, Manali, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, tourists at Shimla city were thrilled to see snowflakes. In Manali, tourists were allowed to go upto Solang valley.

People in most parts of the state woke up to a white blanket of snow outside, while some areas received snow in the morning and evening time. It was still snowing in the late evening on Friday.

According to the meteorological centre, Shimla, the weather will remain generally dry from Saturday onwards. However, isolated areas in mid and high hills may receive light showers of rain and snow. While minimum temperature in the state was above normal, the maximum temperature was normal. The day temperature dropped after snowfall, overcast and rains. At minus 6.3 degrees C, Keylong was the coldest in the state.

The respective district administrations have also asked the officials to remain on alert with machinery to keep the roads, electricity and water supply running. The residents and tourists have been advised not to go to the higher places.

Fresh snowfall at Atal tunnel, Solang and upper parts of Himachal

Updated on December 30, 2022

Many roads were blocked, vehicles were stuck and the temperature had plunged below normal in many places of Himachal following fresh snowfall on Friday.

The Manali-Atal tunnel, Manali-Gulaba, Jalori pass and all the roads inside Lahaul valley were blocked while traffic movement in many places in Chamba and upper Shimla was affected after snowfall. Atal tunnel received the heaviest snow in the state where 42cm snowfall was recorded since Thursday. Many vehicles were stuck in the snow between Solang and Atal tunnel.

Solang valley received 10cm snow. Jalori pass received 30cm of snow while 25cm of snowfall was recorded at Gulaba near Manali. Khajiar, Bharmour, Dalhousie, Pangi and Salooni in Chamba district received light snow. Kalpa, Pooh, Sangla, Chitkul and Rakcham in Kinnaur district and all the places in Lahaul also received light snow. Chanshal and Khada Pathar in Shimla and Chudadhar in Sirmaur district also received light snow on Friday.

In Manali, traffic movement was restricted to Nehru Kund, 7km from here. Police said the road at Palchan, Solang, Atal tunnel and all the places beyond Nehru Kund is slippery, so vehicles will not be allowed until the road becomes safe for traffic.

Not allowing vehicles to go beyond Nehru Kund resulted in over a 10km long traffic jam as thousands of tourist vehicles did not get a place to park or take a U-turn. Motorists formed many queues and traffic jam reached Nehru Kund to Manali in the morning and then 4km from Manali towards Kullu.

The situation will be worse in Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamshala on Saturday and Sunday during New Year celebrations as it is also a weekend.

Kullu senior superintendent of police Gurdev Sharma said, “Police and home guard jawans have been deployed at traffic bottlenecks and major places. We don’t want to take risks, so vehicles were not allowed beyond Nehru Kund. It created traffic jams. Vehicles will be allowed to Solang valley on Saturday after 10am. Traffic is moving at a slow pace but we are not letting a standstill jam. The situation will improve from January 2 onwards.”

Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said the Manali-Atal tunnel-Keylong highway will remain closed till further order due to snow and slippery conditions. “The Border Roads Organisation is clearing snow from the highway which was opened only for emergency four-wheel-drive vehicles with proper snow chains,” he said.

After snowfall and rain, the average minimum and maximum temperatures of Himachal were below normal. At minus 6.3 degrees C, Keylong was the coldest in the state. IMD has predicted generally dry weather in the next few days.

Atal tunnel, Marhi closed after fresh snowfall

Updated on December 29, 2022

Atal tunnel, Lahaul valley and Marhi have been closed for tourist movement following fresh snowfall on Thursday as the roads have become slippery.

Solang valley, south and north portals of Atal tunnel, Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang and the entire Lahaul valley are experiencing fresh snowfall since Thursday afternoon. As the snow started accumulating on the road, police started sending back tourist vehicles from Lahaul and Atal tunnel towards Manali. As the vehicles started skidding on the snow between the tunnel and Dhundi nullah, it created chaos for hours. To prevent vehicles from colliding with each other, cops stopped all the vehicles at tunnel to send them one by one through the steep road which created a jam-like situation inside and outside the tunnel. Many vehicles were brought down with help of people who gave them support to keep tyres on the road.

Kullu police said the vehicular movement has been stopped towards Atal tunnel and other upper regions as precautionary measures. “It’s snowing in Solang, Atal tunnel and upper areas and vehicles have started skidding. Tourist vehicles will not be allowed to go beyond Nehru Kund, 7km from Manali, until weather condition improves,” the police said in an advisory.

Tourists stopping vehicles in the middle of the road to enjoy snowfall become the main headache for cops on traffic duty. Mostly tourists park their cars on road and go away from cars to enjoy the snowfall. It hampers traffic movement and results in a traffic jam. As snow accumulates very fast on the road surfaces in the higher regions, it takes just a few minutes for a safe road to turn slippery and dangerous road.

According to police, a few irresponsible people are responsible for most of the traffic jams and incidents of stranding tourists in snowfall.
Manali-Marhi highway was reopened for tourists on Wednesday but it has been closed on Thursday after the snowfall.

Lahaul-Spiti police have also requested both tourists and local residents not to travel until very important. The district police have requested tourists to move to safe places as there is a snowfall forecast for Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, hoteliers are expecting a White New Year as there are chances of snowfall in the next few days.

Hundreds of tourist vehicles stranded at Atal tunnel

Hundreds of vehicles carrying over a thousand tourists have been stranded at both south and north portals of Atal tunnel following snowfall which made road slippery on Thursday.

Thousands of tourists crossed the Atal tunnel to see snow and snowfall on Thursday. As the snow started accumulating on the road surface, vehicles started skidding and it became very difficult to drive by late evening. While some people, mostly local taxi drivers, managed to negotiate through the steep curves between the tunnel and Dhundi nullah, hundreds of other vehicles got stuck when many vehicles skid on the road and jammed it.

Although the administration stopped traffic towards Atal tunnel, it was already too late. Lahaul-Spiti police started sending vehicles from Lahaul towards Manali. However, they could not move ahead due to traffic congestion at south portal of the tunnel where cops were trying to send vehicles one by one to prevent them from colliding with each other.

At 8:45pm, Lahaul-Spiti SP Manav Verma informed: “Nearly 100 vehicles that had stranded at north portal of tunnel due to snowfall and traffic congestion at south portal have been sent towards south portal. SHO Keylong is monitoring the safe traffic movement. The tourists are also being guided about how to drive on snow.”

Manali SDM Surender Thakur said nearly 250 vehicles were stuck between the tunnel and Dhundi nullah by 9pm.

“Nearly 40 four-wheel-drive vehicles from Manali have been sent towards the tunnel for help. Manali DSP and tehsildar are monitoring the situation on the spot. All vehicles will be evacuated in some time,” he said.

It was snowing continuously in the area while filing this news. All vehicles were expected to be evacuated by midnight. However, Lahaul-Spiti SP informed at 11:30pm that many vehicles were still stranded at South portal of Atal tunnel, Rohtang, and tourists were being helped in reaching safe place.

The Atal tunnel has become the main tourist attraction of Manali which is being visited by thousands of people. Being situated at 10,000ft, it has also become a popular snow point where the possibility of watching snow and snowfall remains very high.

The road leading to the tunnel from Manali side becomes very dangerous even after an inch of snowfall. Nearly 3km road from Dhundi nullah to the tunnel is very steep with hairpin bends where vehicles start skidding. Vehicles fail to negotiate through even a thin layer of snow and ice.

Tourists, who are not familiar with snow-driving, are terrified when vehicles go out of control and start skidding in any direction with gravity.

Tourists enjoy fresh snowfall at Atal tunnel

Updated on December 26, 2022

Although it was not a White Christmas anywhere in Himachal on Sunday, lucky tourists in Manali got to see fresh snowfall near Atal tunnel on Monday.

The high hills of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti received light snow on Monday afternoon. Tourists started screaming with joy at south portal of the tunnel, 23km from here. Police then asked hoteliers and taxi operators to guide tourists not to go towards the tunnel and Lahaul valley.

“Snow has started falling at the south portal of Atal tunnel. Tourists are requested to move to safe places,” Lahaul-Spiti police posted on its social media accounts.

However, most hoteliers were not happy with the police directions as they believe not letting tourists enjoy the snow was immoral as they have spent money and time only to see snow and snowfall. Hoteliers wanted police to allow tourists until the road becomes slippery and stop the tourist movement at Dhundi so that tourists could enjoy snowfall safely. The snowfall did not last too long.

The met office has predicted dry weather in the next 48 hours. It has forecast more snowfall in the isolated areas in upper parts of Himachal on December 29 and 30.

Against Sunday’s minimum temperature of minus 10.8 degrees Celsius, Keylong on Monday recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.1 degrees C. Manali on Sunday had recorded minus 1.5 degrees C minimum temperature which rose to 1 degree C on Sunday following the overcast.

Water starts freezing under sub-zero temperatures in Himachal

Updated on December 17, 2022

With temperatures in many parts of Himachal remaining below the freezing point, water has started freezing while the high-altitude lakes have started turning ice.

The fluctuations in temperatures – sudden dip after poor weather conditions and sudden rise after dry days – have prevented peak winter season from entering the state so far. However, night temperatures at many places have already plunged below the freezing point. The high-altitude lakes including Bhrigu, Ghepan, Rani Sui, Dashaur and Chandertal have started to freeze. The small water streams above 11,000ft have turned complete ice while drinking water sources in upper tribal areas are also freezing at night time.

“Water is turning ice in the pipes. Rubber and plastic pipes, which become rock solid due to icing, get broken if we try to move them from their place. The still water exposed to the open sky is freezing at night time and icicles are hanging from seeping water sources. Still, the temperature is bearable as peak winter is still to come,” RK Telangba, a resident of Lahaul valley said.

On Sunday, Keylong recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius followed by Kukumseri near Udaipur where the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 4.4 degrees C. Temperature is even below at many places in Lahaul-Spiti district including Losar, Kibber, Hikkim, Langza, Komic, Mudh and Koksar. Kalpa in Kinnaur recorded minimum temperature of 0.5 degree C and it was 1 degree C in Manali.

People enjoy the sun during the day but use electrical heating appliances or fireplaces to keep them warm in the morning and evening.

The temperature in some parts of the state was lower in November but it increased following a long dry spell with sunny days. The IMD has also predicted less than average precipitation in December. After average maximum and minimum temperatures remained above normal for a few days, it has now become normal. The lakes, which used to get freeze completely in December, are partially frozen. The lakes are expected to freeze completely to become walkable by end of this month.

The roads to higher areas like Rohtang, Kunzum and Baralacha have been closed for all kinds of vehicles due to icing of the road under extremely cold conditions. Temperature in lower parts of Mandi, Bilaspur and parts of Hamirpur, Una, Kangra and Solan districts has also dipped due to dense fog. As mid-hills are receiving good sun, the day temperature is quite high and water sources are not freezing in the night time.

According to the meteorological centre, Shimla, both minimum and maximum temperatures in the state are normal. “Mandi and Kangra witnessed dense fog which lowered the visibility. Some parts of low hills may witness cold waves,” it said.

Widespread snowfall in nine districts of Himachal

Season’s heaviest snowfall blocks over 300 roads in Himachal

Updated on January 5, 2022

Heavy snowfall in many parts of Himachal blocked over 300 roads, affected power supply and forced people to stay indoors on Wednesday.

Many parts of the state have received the heaviest snow in the last 24 hours. Many areas, including south portal of Atal tunnel near Manali have received upto 100cm of snow. Pangi in Chamba and Dodra-Kwar have also received over 60cm of snow. Many parts of Lahaul including Koksar, Sissu and Darcha have received more than 30cm of snow on Wednesday.

All the roads including two national highways are blocked in Lahaul-Spiti and the district has completely cut off from rest parts of the state. Good snowfall at Khadapathar, Narkanda and Khidaki areas of Shimla has blocked the roads completely. Dozens of roads in upper areas of Kullu including Manali-Atal tunnel, Kothi, Jalori pass, upper parts of Banjar and Parvati valley are blocked with snow. Roads in upper parts of Mandi and Chamba district are blocked. Many parts of Kinnaur, including Kalpa, have received more than 20cm of snow which has affected vehicular movement. Shikari Mata, Seraj and other higher regions of Mandi district have also received heavy snow.

A large number of vehicles are reported stranded in different parts of the state. Snow has snapped power lines in many remote areas. The Spiti valley has also plunged into darkness. While water supply pipes have frozen in upper reaches, many water schemes have failed.

Shimla police have issued advisory to the tourists not to drive to the upper Shimla where some roads are blocked and take precautions while driving towards Kufri as the road has become slippery after snowfall. The Kufri to Fagu road is also blocked.

Nearly 10 people who had stranded after snowfall at Khidki in Shimla were rescued by the police. A police official from Chopal said they have rescued nearly 40 people from Charki, Khirki and Chambi areas from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening.

Manali town received 8cm of snow while Solang received 30cm snow. Dhundi has received nearly 75cm snow. Police have stopped tourist movement beyond Nehru Kund, 7km from Manali. A few tourists who are staying in hotels in Lahaul valley will have to stay there until roads open.

The health teams at many places had to walk for several kilometers on snow to reach the school to administer Covid-19 vaccination to the students.

Kullu administration had stopped all vehicular movement beyond Palchan, 9km from Manali, but later vehicles were not allowed to go beyond Nehru Kund as snow had started piling up.

Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar said the tourist and vehicular movement in the district had been stopped well in advance and all are safe in the valley. “All are safe in the district. Residents have been requested to stay indoors during inclement weather and no to go to higher regions unnecessarily,” he said.

In Manali, over 100 tourist vehicles went towards Solang forcefully and their vehicles started skidding. The vehicles had to be pushed manually. Many tourists left their vehicles and hired other taxis to reach hotel.

Manali deputy superintendent of police Sanjeev Kumar said, “Nearly four feet of snow has accumulated at the south portal of Atal tunnel. The Solang-Atal tunnel road is completely blocked for all vehicles. Tourists are also not being sent towards Solang valley. There is no report of any tourist getting stranded anywhere in Manali.”

Himachal witnesses another spell of snowfall

Updated on December 19, 2021

The high and mid-hills of Himachal including tourist resorts of Manali, Dalhousie and Kufri experienced a fresh spell of snowfall on Friday while many parts of the state reeled under extremely cold conditions.

Dalhousie and Triund experienced season’s first snowfall while Manali, Kufri and Narkanda witnessed second snowfall of the season on Friday. Lahaul valley, upper parts of Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra are also receiving the fresh snow. Solang valley, Kothi, Keylong, north and south portals of Atal tunnel, Koksar, Jispa, Bharmaur and surrounding areas have been getting the fresh snow.

With this, another wave of cold has gripped the state with both minimum and maximum temperatures remaining 2 to 3 degrees below the normal in the last 24 hours. At minus 8 degrees Celsius, Keylong was the coldest in the state followed by Kalpa (minus 4.4), Dalhousie (minus 2.8) and Kufri (minus 2). Both Solan and Shimla recorded the minimum temperature at minus 0.2 degree C. Shimla recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 0.2 degree C on Wednesday and Thursday. Mercury in Manali settled at 0.6 degree C and the minimum temperature of Dharamshala was 2.2 degrees C.

Traffic movement to the higher regions of the state has been affected by the snowfall. Atal tunnel has again been blocked for tourist movement. The tourists were allowed only up to Solang valley on Friday which resulted in traffic coming to standstill on Manali-Solang valley highway.

Lahaul-Spiti SP Manav Verma said, “Given the snowfall forecast in the region, tourists were not being allowed to enter Lahaul valley via Atal tunnel on Friday. Local residents and tourists were being allowed only if they were travelling in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Still, we have requested general public to keep eye on weather conditions and plan the travel accordingly. The road surface is slippery and snow blizzards have made driving risky.”

Meanwhile, tourist towns of Manali, Dalhousie and Kufri were echoing with whistles and joyful screams of tourists as they saw snowflakes falling on them. They started dancing and taking photos and videos of the snowfall. However, the snowfall did not last long.

According to meteorological centre, Shimla, the weather will be generally dry from Saturday onwards.

Heavy snowfall in HP; Manali, Kufri gets season’s first snow

Updated on December 6, 2021

Season’s first snowfall in tourist resorts of Manali, Kufri and Narkanda left both residents and tourists elated on Monday. Also, many parts of the state received heavy snow in the past 24 hours which affected traffic and power supply in many areas.

Weather has been inclement in most parts of Himachal since Sunday morning. While higher reaches of the state are receiving snow since December 2, the snowline is descending to lower areas with a decrease in temperature. Many parts of the state have experienced moderate and heavy snowfall in the last 24 hours. Manali town, Kufri and Narkanda received very light snow but upper parts of the state have been covered with a thick white blanket.

While Rohtang has received more than 75cm snow, over 45cm snow has accumulated at north and south portals of Atal tunnel. Koksar and Darcha in Lahaul and Dodra-Kwar in Shimla received more than 30cm of snow. Kothi and Solang valley near Manali have recorded 20cm fresh snowfall and tourist movement was confined to Palchan, 9km from here. Keylong received 22cm snow and Pangi in Chamba district also received 6cm of snow.

Kalpa, Chitkul and Sangla in Kinnaur district recorded 5cm, 15cm and 8cm snowfall respectively. Jalori pass in Kullu recorded 8cm snow. Chopal, Rohru and Khara Pathar in Shimla district also received light snow. Many mid and lower parts of the state experienced rains on Monday.

While Manali-Keylong highway via Atal tunnel is still blocked with snow, most of the link roads in Lahaul are also blocked with snow. Traffic was partially crippled in many roads in the upper Shimla, Kinnaur and upper parts of Kullu district. Electricity supply was also affected in many areas including Lahaul valley.

At minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, Keylong was the coldest inhabited village in the state. As the sky cleared up on Monday late evening, the temperature is expected to dip further in night time with frosty conditions on Tuesday morning. Weather is likely to remain dry on Tuesday.

Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar: District headquarters Keylong has received 22cm fresh snow while many villages have received upto 45cm snow. The Manali-Keylong highway is blocked with snow. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started clearing snow to resume vehicular movement. Many areas had no electricity. Electricity board employees are working on resuming the power supply.

Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg said: Many parts of the district have experienced heavy snowfall in the last 24 hours. People, especially tourists, have been asked not to go towards higher regions as it can be fatal. Officials of all the departments have been asked to stay on alert.

Meanwhile, Manali based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has issued moderate avalanche warning in some of the parts of the state. SASE has warned about possibility of avalanche on Atal tunnel-Tandi, Kothi-Rohtang-Koksar, Zingzingbar-Sarchu, Hadsar-Manimahesh and Koksar-Kaza axis from Monday to Tuesday evening.

Himachal hills get snow, Atal tunnel closes for tourists

December 2, 2021: With the high hills of Himachal experiencing fresh snowfall since Wednesday evening, cold waves have gripped the state as day temperature has dropped 5 to 6 degrees C in the last 24 hours.

Higher reaches of Kullu, Mandi, Lahual-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra are getting fresh snow. Koksar, Sissu, Darcha and nearby villages in Lahaul received fresh snow on Thursday. Kaza, the administrative headquarter of Spiti valley, received very light snow. Rohtang pass, Kunzum pass, Baralacha and Shinkula are also receiving fresh snow.

As a precautionary measure, public movement to higher areas is being stopped. Residents have been asked to avoid going to the higher regions. People travelling in Lahaul, Jalori pass, Manali-Atal tunnel highway and Shimla-Spiti highway have been advised to contact police to get latest information on road status before starting travel.

In Manali, tourists’ movement was confined to Solang valley, 13km from here. No tourist vehicle was allowed to go beyond Solang as preventive measure as it was snowing beyond Atal tunnel. Hundreds of tourists had stranded at Atal tunnel last year after snowfall as their vehicles started skidding on the snow. Thousands of tourists who had rushed to Manali to see snowfall after checking weather forecast were left disappointed.

Officials said tourist movement to Atal tunnel will be suspended in case of snowfall. But they will be allowed if the weather turns favourable. However, local residents of Lahaul are being allowed to use the tunnel.

Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg has asked police to establish a rescue post at Solang valley. Tourists will not be allowed to go beyond Solang after snowfall and the rescue post will respond immediately if anybody is reported to be stranded in snow.

The meteorological centre Shimla has predicted inclement weather on mid and high hills in the next few days with snowfall warning for Sunday and Monday. While the minimum temperatures have increased by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius due to overcast, the maximum (day) temperatures have decreased by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius.

It was extremely cold temperature in the day time in most parts of the state on Thursday. People were forced to remain mostly indoors and were wearing heavy woollens. Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Mandi administrations have advised people, including tourists, not to go to the higher areas and have asked officials of all the departments to stay on alert in case of snowfall to keep roads open and provide public with uninterrupted power and water supplies.

Heavy snowfall blocks major highways in Himachal, many stranded

October 18, 2021: Many highways were blocked while some people, including tourists, were stranded following a snowfall in the upper regions of Himachal for the last 36 hours.

The Manali-Leh, Manali-Rohtang pass and Manali-Kaza highways besides many other roads including Darcha-Padum road have been blocked. Lahaul-Spiti administration had ordered to keep the traffic shut on Manali-Leh and Keylong-Kaza highways till further order. While some stranded tourists were rescued, operations to rescue many other people in Lahaul-Spiti district are still continuing.

Both Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass have received more than 20cm of fresh snow while Baralacha pass has received over 25cm snow. Koksar and north portal of Atal tunnel received 10cm and 5cm snow. District headquarters Keylong witnessed only some snowflakes. Kaza, Losar, Hikkim, Kibber, Kee and most parts of Spiti valley have also been covered under white blanket.

Seven tourists and a driver travelling on Gramphu-Kaza highway got stranded between Kunzum pass and Losar on Sunday night. When residents of Losar received this information, they went for rescue in the night time and cleared snow from the road amid snowfall.

One of the rescue volunteers Tsering Chhopel said a person told them at Losar that a vehicle has stranded 4km beyond Kunzum and they should go for help. “Vehicle was too far from Losar. We had to remove snow from the road surface. We brought seven tourists and one driver safely to Losar,” he said.

11 other people were stranded at Batal in snowfall. According to sources, their vehicle had no fuel and they could not move out of Batal. Officials said they are safe there and rescue teams were on way to Batal. Nine other people were reported to be stranded at Shinkula pass. Efforts were being made to rescue them.

He added that the vehicular movement on Manali-Leh highway was stopped timely on Sunday morning and nobody was stranded on this road.

Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar said higher regions are experiencing snowfall since Sunday and the road surface has become slippery. “The Manali-Leh highway and Darcha-Padum road shall remain closed beyond Darcha and Keylong-Kaza road shall remain closed beyond Koksar till further order. People are advised not to go towards higher regions,” he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of tourists thronged north portal of Atal tunnel to enjoy the fresh snowfall on Monday. Not only north portal of the tunnel but Koksar, Sissu and nearby areas also received fresh snow. Tourists had not expected snowfall in October.

With snowfall on higher regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, Kangra and Mandi districts and rain in lower areas, the temperature has plunged sharply across the state.

Early winter knocks door as temperature plunges across Himachal

September 24, 2021: The winter season in Himachal is expected to start early this year as temperature across the state is dipping sharply following frequent spells of snowfall on the peaks.

While minimum temperature has reached freezing point at higher non-inhabited areas, the temperature at Keylong in Lahaul has plunged to 6.6 degrees C. Temperature at many villages of Lahaul-Spiti district is lower than Keylong. The snow cover has also started descending to a low altitude. The seasonal tourist camping sites from higher areas have started shutting operations as tourists are not able to wear the chilling cold of night time.

According to meteorological centre, the maximum temperature of Himachal is 6 to 7 degrees below normal. At 6.6 degrees Celsius, Keylong was the coldest inhabited place in Himachal. Kalpa recorded night temperature of 8.9 degrees C and it was 11.6 degrees C in Manali. The minimum temperature in Shimla was 13.7 degrees C and minimum temperature in Dalhousie was recorded at 12.5 degrees C.

Winter season has started in Lahaul-Spiti and upper parts of Kullu, Chamba and Kinnaur. The residents are now wearing warm clothes and have rushed to complete all the works before snowfall.

“The temperature has plunged suddenly in a week. This is the signal that we may witness early snowfall. Farmers want to complete all the agricultural works as soon as possible. Stockmen are cutting green grass to dry and stock it to fee the cattle after snowfall. We are collecting firewood which shall be used to keep the rooms warm and cozy. Many parts of Himachal including entire Lahaul-Spiti district had received heavy snowfall on September 23 and 24 in 2018. We may witness first snowfall of season in October this year,” a resident Rattan Katoch said.

As the temperature above 13,000ft is very low, these areas are witnessing frequent spells of snowfall. The prolonged monsoon season is bringing rains and snowfall to the state, which have helped in bringing down temperature. The speed of melting of snow has also reduced on the peaks. Water level in the rivers and their tributaries is expected to shrink to almost half by end of October. The peaks on the hills are also expected to be frozen in a few weeks.

The monsoon, according to met centre, is expected to remain active in Himachal for next few days. With temperature remaining very low, there are high chances of more snowfall this month. In upper parts of Kullu district, residents have pulled out heavy blankets and quilts for cozy sleep on cold nights. The fireplaces have become active very soon. According to experts, the minimum temperature of Keylong may touch 0 degree C notch before end of October.

Orange alert in Himachal as heavy rains likely in next two days

June 11, 2021: The meteorological department, Shimla, on Friday issued orange and yellow alerts as mid and low hills of Himachal are likely to receive heavy rains and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.

According to met director Manmohan Singh, most parts of the state will receive rain and thunderstorm in the next five days. “Most areas in middle and lower parts of the state are likely to receive heavy rains in the next 48 hours. The high hills are expected to receive some snow. Some areas may witness landslides or incidents of uprooting of the trees. People, especially tourists, are advised not to venture close to river banks as water level may increase suddenly,” he said.

Many parts of the states on Friday received rain which has brought relief from scorching heat. Both maximum and minimum temperatures decreased by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours.

Gaggal in Kangra recorded 107mm rain while Dharamshala received 67mm rain. Rains in Amb (40mm), Jogindernagar (31mm), Sujanpur Tira (25mm), Nurpur (21mm), Palampur (16mm), Dehra Gopipur (15mm), Pandoh (14mm) and Bharmaur (10mm) have brought some relief from the rapidly growing temperature. The temperature is likely to dip further following good rainfall in the next few days.

Himachal 10 degrees colder than normal

April 23, 2021: The cold waves have returned to Himachal with the mercury remaining many notches below the normal following heavy rains and snowfall in the last 72 hours.

According to meteorological department, Shimla, the day temperature of the state has been 9 to 10 degrees below normal while minimum temperature was also 4 to 5 degrees below the normal. The cold has forced people in Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, upper Shimla and other higher regions to bring out the heavy woollens and switch on the room heaters.

At minus 1.4 degree C, Keylong was coldest in Himachal followed by Kalpa at minus 0.5 degree C. Minimum temperature of Manali was recorded at 2 degrees C and it was 5 degrees C in Shimla. Kufri was cold at 2.3 degrees C and Dalhousie recorded minimum temperature of 2.8 degrees C. Dharamshala recorded minimum temperature of 8 degree C and it was 9.2 degrees C in Solan.

The lower parts of the state were lashed by rain. Kotkhai recorded 63mm rain, Palampur recorded 48mm rain and each Manali and Bhuntar recorded 47mm rain. Both Kangra and Dalhousie recorded 43mm rain. Kumarsen (40mm), Rampur (39mm), Jogindernagar (39mm), Karsog (35mm), Dharamshala (33mm) and Shimla (32mm) and most parts of the state received moderate rain in the last 24 hours.

Unseasonal snowfall takes Manali by surprise

April 23, 2021: The resident of Manali on Friday woke up to thick snowflakes falling from the sky, a view which is rare in late April. The snowfall lasted for more than five hours and 10cm of snow accumulated on the ground.

According to elderly, Manali has witnessed such a sight after more than two decades. However, people here have seen heavy snowfall even in May month many years back. While snowfall has thrilled hoteliers who expect to host some tourists from neighbouring states in the next few days, it has made hearts of fruit growers throbbing fasters.

A fruit grower Hemraj Bisht said, “The apple, plum and other fruit orchards which have developed small fruits are covered in snow. This is not a good sign. Covid-19 pandemic has already damaged our economy. If fruit crop is damaged, it will break us severely. The outcome of this snowfall will be seen in the next few days. Good prices for fruits had saved us last year even during lockdown. We will be destroyed completely if crop is damaged this year.”

The residents are unhappy that Himachal did not receive good snow in winter season and now when temperature had risen, it is snowing untimely. The snow being wet and heavy, which will melt very soon, is considered more harmful than being useful. A few tourists present in Manali were thrilled to see snowfall which was unexpected.

“Chances of our cancelling Manali trip after various restrictions were very high but we took a tough decision to continue our trip to Manali in the last moment as we had paid all amount in advance. Now we are happy with our decision. We had not thought in dreams that we will see snowfall in Manali. We were upset on Thursday when we were not allowed to go to Atal tunnel to see snow. This snowfall is worth all the money that we spent on the entire trip,” a tourist from Delhi Abhishek Jain said.

Manali town received 10cm of snow; Solang valley recorded 25cm of snow. The south and north portals of Atal tunnel have received 50 to 60cm of snow in the last three days. Gulaba, Marhi and Rohtang have received about 60 to 150cm of snow. The Manali-Atal tunnel road is blocked beyond Solang valley.

Unexpected snowfall damages crops, blocks roads

April 23, 2021: The unexpected heavy snowfall, rain and hailstorms have thrown life out of gear in Himachal with crops worth crores of rupees damaged, over a hundred roads lying blocked and extreme weather conditions forcing people to remain indoors.

Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti districts have witnessed such heavy snowfall and rains after over two decades. Not just high hills, but the mid hills including Manali town have been covered with white blanket. The temperature has again plunged suddenly following this snowfall. Snowfall, hailstorms, rain and cold have expected to damage vegetables and fruit crops.

Narkanda, Khadapathar, parts of Rohru in Shimla district have received snow. Most parts of Kinnaur and entire Lahaul district have received 30 to 90cm of snow. Seraj area and upper parts of Mandi district, Pangi and upper parts of Chamba district, Manali, Jalori and upper parts of Kullu district and high hills of Kangra district have experienced snowfall. The lower parts of Himachal have been lashed by rain.

A large number of apple and other trees, which had turned green with leaves, have been uprooted due to weight of the snow. Apple trees in higher areas of Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur and parts of Lahaul which are in bloom have been covered with snow. Growers fear the snow and cold have damaged the crop. A multi-storey building in Sanjauli in Shimla district collapsed while nearly three dozen sheep and cattle buried alive after a landslide in Bharmaur region of Chamba district.

Situation is worst in Lahaul-Spiti district which has again frozen and turned completely white. The district is getting snow for four days. Farmers had started cultivating vegetables which have been buried in snow. The poly houses in fields have been damaged. Many parts of Lahaul had no electricity for last two days.

Apple orchards in Kinnaur district were in full bloom which has been damaged by snow. Snowfall has damaged apple crop and also uprooted trees in upper parts of Shimla and Seraj area in Mandi. Fruit crops in Kullu district are also feared damaged. Vegetable crops have also been damaged in many areas of the state. Wheat and barley fields have also been flattened in many areas. Hailstorms have also wreaked havoc in many regions.

While Lahaul has continued to witness avalanches, rain and snowfall have triggered landslides in many parts of the state. Stones were rolling down on the Manali-Chandigarh national highway.

The Manali-Leh highway has been blocked completely beyond Solang valley. It will take at least one more week for Border Roads Organisation to reopen the highway which has been buried under 30 to 150cm deep snow.

The farmers and farmers’ associations are now looking at government to help them financially to compensate the expected losses.

Progress Growers Association president Lokinder Singh Bisht said the unprecedented hailstorms and snowfall have caused immense damage to the apple and other fruit crops in Himachal, particularly in area above 7,000ft. “It has wiped away about one crore apple boxes in the state. The trees have also suffered serious damages. The state government and Centre should recognise this as a natural disaster and should assess the damages so that financial assistant to the fruit growers could be given as early as possible,” he said.

Heavy snowfall in upper Himachal

April 21, 2021: The unexpected heavy snowfall in upper Himachal has wreaked havoc on fruits and vegetable crops while it has blocked many roads here. A large number of avalanches have been reported from Lahaul while hailstorms have expected to damage crops in parts of Kullu district.

Upper Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, upper parts of Kullu, Chamba and Kangra are receiving snow since Tuesday. Mid and low hills of Himachal received rain on Wednesday while some parts were lashed with hails. The snowfall has blocked many roads. Many avalanches have hit the Lahaul valley which has received 15 to 45cm of snow.

The Manali-Atal tunnel road has been blocked with snow as both portals of the tunnel have received over 30cm of snow. Manali-Leh highway is also blocked since Monday. Internal roads of Lahaul valley have been blocked. While Kapla and Keylong have received just above 15cm of snow, Darcha, Koksar, Peukar, Naingar, Chokhang, Chhika-Rarik and many other upper areas have received 30 to 45cm of fresh snow. Baralacha, Rohtang, Kunzum and nearby regions have received more than 75cm of snow in the last 48 hours.

People in Himachal were upset with very less snowfall in this winter season. Now they are again upset with the untimely heavy snowfall.

People in Kinnaur district on Wednesday woke up to snowfall in apple orchards which are under full bloom these days. Many parts of the district including Kalpa have received moderate snow. Kinnaur is known to produce delicious apples, which is also the main source of economy of the district. Snowfall on flowers may have damaged the crop to a large extent.

In Lahaul, farmers had started cultivating vegetables. Snowfall has flattened the seedlings. The apple trees in district, which are ready for blossom, are wrapped in snow.

While upper regions of Kullu district including Solang and Kothi have received fresh snow, the lower parts here witnessed hailstorms. The apple, plums and other fruit crops in district are in initial stage of setting. The hails may have damaged little fruits in many areas.

According to meteorological department, Shimla, director Manmohan Singh, the mid and low hills of Himachal will receive more rain with thunderstorm while high hills will receive snow in the next 48 hours. “Weather will be generally dry after April 24. At minus 0.3 degree C, Keylong was the coldest in Himachal followed by Kalpa at 0.1 degree C. The minimum temperature of Manali was recorded at 4.8 degrees C and it was 7.4 degrees C and 9.6 degrees C in Shimla and Dharamshala respectively,” he said.

Avalanche threat in Lahaul

Himachal’s Lahaul on Wednesday witnessed multiple avalanches at different places. Three avalanches were reported between Atal tunnel and Sissu. Some avalanches were reported in nullahs in Pattan valley of Lahaul. Nobody was harmed in the incidents. As the snowfall is continuing and chances of more avalanches are high, district administration has advised residents to travel only in case of emergency.

Lahaul-Spiti SP Manav Verma said, “General traffic movement will not be allowed on national highway NH-3. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles are advised in case of emergency. The road surface has become very slippery. Tourists will not be allowed. Residents are advised to avoid night travel.”

Lahaul in natural lockdown

Although Himachal government has not imposed lockdown in the state, heavy snowfall in Lahaul has put the valley under natural lockdown. The traffic movement in the valley has come to a standstill and heavy snowfall has forced people to stay indoors.

Fresh snowfall thrills tourists

March 22, 2021: The unexpected snowfall on Monday thrilled thousands of tourists at Solang valley of Manali which has again covered with a white blanket. The entire Lahaul valley has also covered with a thick layer of snow while snowfall is still continuing.

Snowfall and blizzards blocked many roads in Lahaul valley and upper Manali on Monday morning. The Manali-Atal tunnel road has been closed for tourists as it has become very slippery. Tourist movement has been restricted to Solang valley. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles are being allowed to enter Lahaul valley where traffic on most roads has crippled partially. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had started clearing snow since the early morning.

Both portals of Atal tunnel have received 25 to 30cm of fresh snow. Solang valley near Manali received 5cm snow. Udaipur received 26cm and Keylong received 9cm snow. Sissu and Gondhla regions received 15 to 20cm of fresh snow. Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang pass, Hamta and all the upper regions of Manali have donned a white mantle. Some parts of Spiti valley have also received light snow. Hansa village of Spiti recorded 5cm of fresh snow.

Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “Atal tunnel approach roads have received fresh snow. The road has become slippery. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles will be allowed as a precautionary measure.”

A large number of tourists thronged Solang valley to enjoy fresh snowfall. Tourists enjoyed skiing, snow scooter and other snow related activities here.

Meanwhile, snowfall has affected snow clearance operations on Kaza-Gramphoo and Manali-Leh highways. The Kaza-Gramphoo highway connecting Manali with Spiti valley is expected to open before mid April. BRO teams are advancing towards Sarcha from Baralacha pass and are very close to reopen the Manali-Leh highway for vehicles. The fresh snowfall may delay opening of both the highways by two to three days.

More snow in store for Himachal hills

Updated on March 20, 2021

The high and middle hills of Himachal will get more snow while lower regions will get rain as a fresh western disturbance will hit the state on Sunday.

According to meteorological department director Manmohan Singh, some middle and higher regions of Himachal are expected to get snow from Sunday to Tuesday while most areas will get rain with thunderstorms. He has issued yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorm and lightning in the isolated areas of middle hills o the state.

At minus 0.9 degree Celsius, Keylong was the coldest in Himachal followed by Kalpa (3.2), Manali (6.2), Chamba (9.1), Kufri (10), Solan (10.4), Dharamshala (11.8) and Shimla (12.3). Una recorded the highest temperature in the state at 34.4 degrees C.

The minimum temperature of Himachal was 2 to 3 degrees C above the normal while maximum temperature was 4 to 5 degrees C above the normal. Given the high temperature, there were least chances of snowfall in the middle areas including Manali, Shimla, Solang and Dalhousie. However, high hills of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district received light snow on Friday.

Snowfall on Himachal hills, lower regions miss it again

Updated on February 26, 2021

The high hills of Himachal are experiencing fresh snowfall since Friday morning but the mid-hills, including tourist resorts of Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie, have missed the snowfall one more time even as the weatherman had predicted inclement weather.

Hills of Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmour are receiving light snow. Some villages in Lahaul valley also received some fresh snow. Upper parts of Manali along with Rohtang, Gulaba, Hamta and Atal tunnel witnessed some snowflakes. But the mid-hills of Himachal again missed the snow. Solang, towns of Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, and other popular destinations, where old snow has melted away, did not receive fresh snow.

The meteorological department, Shimla, has issued multiple warnings related to rain and snowfall this week. Earlier there was a weather warning from February 23 to 26 and then it was from February 24 to March 1. The Western disturbances, which bring clouds to the Western Himalayas in winter season, weakened and the weather warning shrunk only for two days — February 26 and 27. Despite being yellow alert for thunderstorm, hailstorm and rains, most parts of the state did not receive rain and only some drizzling occurred at a few places. Similarly, the weak snowfall, which is not continuous and heavy, has failed to spread a white blanket.

“It was snowing for few minutes here and then weather cleared up on Thursday. The sparse snowflakes elated us on Friday but intermittent spell did not last long. I am surprised to see that Lahaul valley is not covered with snow in February end. This sight is rare. We expect good snowfall on Friday night and Saturday. Snowfall is our need as we are dependent on snow-fed streams for irrigation. We are not feeling winter cold this season. Temperature will drop to normal only after good snowfall,” a resident Mohan Relingpa said.

The temperature in the state has continued to be above normal. At minus 2.1 degrees C, Keylong was the coldest in Himachal followed by Kalpa at 1.1 degree C. Minimum temperature of Manali was recorded at 4.8 degrees C and it was 11.1 degrees C at Shimla. Una in the foothills of the Himalayas recorded maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees C, highest in the state.

Following the forecast, a large number of tourists thronged Manali on Friday to see snowfall. As Atal tunnel is closed for tourists, they headed to Solang valley and other tourist destinations with higher chances of snowfall. But the weather again disappointed all of them. Thousands of tourists are in Himachal who are here to see the snowfall. Although there are least chances of snowfall as temperature is abnormally high, tourists are hopeful that weather will be kind to them on Saturday.

With temperature rising gradually, the chances of snowfall in the coming days are very less as met office has predicted dry weather with sunny sky from Sunday onwards.

Meteorological centre, Shimla, director Manmohan Singh said Minimum and maximum temperatures of the state are 4 to 6 degrees above the normal temperature. “There are chances of rain in lower areas and snowfall on higher areas of the state in the next 24 hours. Weather will be generally dry from Sunday onwards,” he said.

Shimla snowfall breaks 30 years’ record

Updated on February 5, 2021

Hill queen Shimla recorded 57cm of snowfall in 24 hours, breaking the 30 years’ record. Before this, the city had received 54.1cm snow on February 12, 2002.

People in Shimla had not expected such a heavy snowfall in February which left all the roads blocked, snapped electricity supply in many areas and left many vehicles stranded. As snowfall stopped on Friday, the authorities started clearing snow from the roads and snapped power lines were being restored. While traffic movement on some roads has been restored, some roads are still blocked.

Kufri near Shimla received 60cm snow, heaviest in the state. The roads in upper Shimla are still closed. The roads have become slippery and some of the roads have opened to only four-wheel-drive vehicles. A large number of vehicles had stranded in snowfall in different locations of Shimla. The rescue operations continued till late night and cops evacuated a large number of vehicles.

Shimla police has issued a travel advisory for tourists and local residents. People have been advised not to drive in the early morning as roads have become slippery due to deposit of black ice.

Not just in Shimla, snowfall has thrilled people in Solan and Kasauli. Manali, Keylong, Kalpa and Dalhousie received light snow which left fruit growers and hoteliers disappointed. However, the upper regions of Manali and Lahaul received heavy snow and the Manali-Atal tunnel-Keylong highway remained blocked on the third consecutive day. Border Roads Organisation has started clearning snow from the highway.

The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has issued avalanche warning in the higher regions of the state including Atal tunnel area. So, the tourist movement was restricted to Nehru Kund, 6km from Manali.

At minus 7.2 degrees C, Keylong was coldest in the state followed by Kalpa at minus 4.3 degrees C. Minimum temperature of Kufri was recorded at minus 3.1 degrees C and it was minus 1.2 degree C at Dalhousie. Shimla recorded minimum temperature of minus 1 degree C while mercury settled at 0 degree C in Manali.

Shimla meteorological centre director Manmohan Singh said the minimum temperature in Himachal has decreased by 2 to 3 degrees C and maximum temperature decreased by 5 to 6 degrees C in the last 24 hours. “Weather in Himachal will remain generally clear in the next seven days,” he said.

Heaviest snowfall of season brings cheer to Himachal

Updated on February 4, 2021

Himachal on Thursday witnessed widespread snowfall, with some places including Shimla getting heaviest snow of the season, which brought cheer to both residents and tourists.

Heavy snowfall blocked dozens of roads in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Chamba districts. Some places reported power outages and some buses were reported to have stranded in upper regions after the snowfall. As vehicles were slipping on the road, including in upper Shimla, the vehicular movement was stopped as precautionary measures.

Shimla, Mandi, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Sirmour and Solan districts have been receiving snow since Wednesday night. Shimla district received the heaviest snowfall in the state. While Kufri, Narkanda and other upper regions received over 45cm of snow, nearly 30cm of snow had accumulated in the Shimla city. The road connectivity of upper Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur areas had lost connectivity with the city after Shimla-Kufri road was blocked. Traffic movement on internal roads of Shimla was also crippled.

While Lahaul valley received light snow, upper Kullu district also received heavy snow. The portals of Atal tunnel received over 45cm of snow. Solang valley has received over 15cm of snow. Rohtang pass is receiving very heavy snow since Tuesday evening. Manali town received just 5cm of snow. The traffic movement remained suspended on Manali-Atal tunnel-Keylong highway. Jalori pass also received fresh snow which blocked Aut-Luhri highway.

Seraj and Gohar areas of Mandi also received moderate to heavy snow at many places. 14 roads in Seraj and 3 roads in Gohar were blocked with snow. Many places of Mandi had no electricity as 82 transformers were shut.

Kalpa in Kinnaur received over 15cm of snow. Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Salooni, Bharmour, Sach and upper parts of Chamba are receiving fresh snow. Chudadhar and Haripurdhar areas of Sirmour district are also getting snow.

After a month-long dry spell in Himachal, the increasing day temperature has finally dropped suddenly. However, there was no substantial change in the minimum temperature. At minus 6.3 degrees Celsius, Keylong was the coldest in Himachal followed by Kalpa at minus 4.6 degrees C. Shimla recorded the lowest temperature of 1.8 degrees C and it was 2.8 degrees C in Dharamshala and 4 degrees C in Manali.

According to Shimla meteorological department director Manmohan Singh, the maximum day temperature in the state has increased b 4 to 5 degrees C in the last 24 hours. “Mid and high hills of Himachal will receive snow and rain on Friday. Weather in the state will be generally dry from Saturday onwards,” he said.

While snowfall has cheered farmers, fruit growers and hoteliers, it also brought some woes in the upper regions with heavy snowfall. Tourists enjoyed fresh snowfall at Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie and many other tourist destinations of the state. The snowfall is considered good for better fruit crops. Tourist footfall in the state is expected to increase in the next few days as tourists will head to different places to see snow.

Meanwhile, Himachal governor Bandaru Dattatreya also enjoyed the snowfall at Rajbhawan premises in Shimla. He came out with his staff and had fun with the snow.

Record snowfall in Shimla

More snowfall in Himachal, Atal tunnel highway shut

Updated on February 3, 2021

Fresh snowfall on higher areas of Himachal has again blocked the Manali-Atal tunnel-Keylong highway which had recently opened for tourists after remaining closed for over three weeks.

Tourists places of upper Manali and parts of upper Shimla including Narkanda and parts of Lahaul valley also received light snow. Upper reaches of Kinnaur, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kangra received fresh snow.

The new favourite tourist destination Atal tunnel and Lahaul have been closed for tourists for a few more days as precautionary measures. South portal of the tunnel has received over 15cm of snow while the north portal and Solang valley each have received nearly 10cm fresh snow. The highway beyond Solang has become very slippery. The region is under threat of avalanches. So, tourists are not being allowed to go beyond Solang.

Kullu police is not allowing any vehicle to go towards Atal tunnel beyond Solang valley. Lahaul police has also stopped vehicles at Sissu check post.

Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “The areas at both ends of Atal tunnel are under good snowfall. Driving in such conditions can be dangerous. Taking precautionary measures, traffic movement has been stopped. Vehicles will not be allowed until condition improves.”

Rohtang pass, Marhi, Gulaba, Hamta and other higher areas are also getting heavy snow. Some areas, due to high velocity winds, are witnessing blizzards. Lahaul-Spiti district headquarters Keylong had received just 3cm of snow while Manali town received some traces. Snowfall thrilled tourists in the town here.

Although tourists will not be able to go to Lahaul valley in the next few days, the ongoing snow festival of the valley has been rejuvenated with the snowfall. As snow was melting from many villages, the fresh snowfall has thrilled the residents as they are expecting very heavy snowfall in the next 48 hours.

Both Mandi and Kullu administration have issued advisory to the residents and tourists not to go to the higher areas and isolated places as the meteorological centre has predicted heavy snowfall till February 5.

Himachal braces for more snowfall

Updated on January 22, 2021

As crystal clear sky facilitated in hassle-free panchayat elections in Himachal that concluded on Friday, a fresh wave of western disturbance has hit the state which is likely to bring heavy snow in many areas on Saturday and Sunday.

After two weeks of a completely dry spell, which resulted in increase in day temperature, the meteorological department Shimla has predicted rain in lower parts and snowfall in upper regions of the state in the next 48 hours. It has also issued a yellow alert for thundershowers in mid and low hills on Saturday.

The clouds have covered most parts of Himachal on Friday with high peaks of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti receiving light snow. Many parts of the state are expected to receive overnight snowfall.

Both minimum and maximum temperatures in Himachal have increased by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours due to overcast sky. Recording increase of 6 degrees C in 24 hours, Keylong recorded minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degrees C, lowest in the state. Kalpa recorded lowest temperature at minus 0.7 degree C and it was minus 0.2 degree C in Manali. The minimum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 7.6 degrees C and it was 5.8 degrees C in Dharamshala. The day temperature is likely to dip as a fresh wave of cold is expected to hit Himachal in the next few hours after snowfall.

The mid-hills of Himachal, which have major apple belts, have not experienced or have received very little snow this season. With increase in day temperature, the snow in upper areas is also melting very fast. People are praying for good snowfall on Saturday and Sunday as dry weather is predicted Monday onwards. Given the increasing temperature, chances of snowfall will be less in February.

Shimla meteorological centre director Manmohan Singh said, “A fresh western disturbance originating from Mediterranean sea has hit the state. Mid and high hills of the state may experience widespread snowfall on Saturday while isolated places will get snow on Sunday. The lower parts of Himachal are likely to hit by thunderstorms and hailstorms on Saturday. The minimum temperature of Himachal is 1 to 2 degrees C above normal and maximum temperature is 3 to 4 degrees C above the normal,” he said.

Current Weather and Temperature in Manali

Updated on January 21, 2021

Dry weather conditions are prevailing in Kullu Manali and entire Himachal Pradesh with sunny days and cold nights. The night temperature in Manali is ranging between 0 to minus 2 degrees Celsius while it is 10 to 14 degrees C in the day time.

Snowfall forecast: There are good chances of snowfall on January 23 and 24. A fresh wave of western disturbance will affect Himachal from January 22 (Friday) evening with maximum chances of snowfall on January 23 (Saturday) and some chances of snowfall on January 24 (Sunday). Tourists who want to see snowall can reach Manali on January 22.

Updated on January 8, 2021

The weather is clear with good sunshine. There are no chances of snowfall in the next seven days. Tourists can see snow at Solang, Kothi, Gulaba, Hamta pass and Atal Tunnel. Atal tunnel is temporarily closed for tourists as the area has received heavy snow.

The temperature is again dipping sharply in the region. While minimum temperature has plunged to minus 2 to minus 3 degrees C, the maximum day temperature is 8 to 10 degrees C. Tourists can enjoy basking in the sun but still need to wear heavy woollens.

Updated on January 5, 2021

Snowfall continues in Himachal hills, avalanche warning issued

The parts of Himachal have continued to receive heavy snow as the state meteorological centre had issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall. The western disturbance will remain active in the state till Wednesday and is likely to bring widespread snow.

Some areas in Lahaul, upper Manali, upper Shimla and Kinnaur have received good amount of snow which has blocked many roads. Traffic movement in the higher reaches has been stopped at many places while tourists are not being allowed to go beyond certain safe points.

Both north and south portals of Atal tunnel have received over 30cm of snow. Kalpa in Kinnaur has received more than 20cm of snow and Khadrala in Shimla has received 15cm fresh snow. Keylong, Sissu and Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district have received 5cm, 18cm and 7cm snow since morning. Manali town received some traces while it was over 15cm at Solang valley.

The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has issued avalanche warning bulletin for the state along Manali-Leh axis. SASE has predicted chances of avalanches in Solang-Dhundi and Sissu-Tandi stretch and near both portals of Atal tunnel. Kothi to Koksar via Rohtang, Zingzingbar to Sarchu and Hadsar areas are also under avalanche threat. Koksar to Kaza route, which is mostly closed due to snowfall, and Kalpa-Sangla-Chitkul stretch of Kinnaur district has unsafe conditions due to high possibility of avalanches in the next 24 hours.

While upper regions of Shimla, Kinnaur, Sirmour, Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kangra are receiving snow, the lower areas are getting rain. It has triggered a fresh wave of cold in Himachal which is likely to be intensified after weather will turn clear. However, both minimum and maximum temperatures in the state were 1 to 5 degrees above the normal. At minus 4.3 degrees C, Keylong received some relief form biting cold. Minimum temperature of Shimla has risen to 6.6 degrees C. Minimum temperature of Manali was recorded at 4 degrees C.

The frequent spells of snowfall in recent days are attracting tourist crowd to the state. Tourists are enjoying fresh snowfall at different places. The cold weather, good rain and snow, which are good for fruit crops, have cheered the growers who want widespread and heavy snowfall in the next two months.

Updated on December 28, 2020

Himachal wears white mantle; season’s first snowfall in Shimla

People of most parts of Himachal woke up to a thick blanket of snow while Shimla city received season’s first snow on Monday. The snowfall, just three days before New Year Eve, has thrilled thousands of tourists staying in the state.

Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Mandi, Sirmour and Kangra districts have received fresh snow. Gated, Tyaman, Katal and Ghuvavi Chheta areas in Bilaspur district have received snow after more than 15 years. The traffic movement was crippled partially on some routes due to deposit of snow on the roads. Another wave of cold has gripped the state.

State capital Shimla witnessed season’s first snowfall. Shimla recorded 9cm fresh snowfall. Shimla’s popular tourist place Kufri recorded 30cm of snow. Manali received 14cm snow while Solang valley recorded 20cm snowfall. North and south portals of Atal tunnel recorded 15cm and 25cm of snowfall. Keylong received 5cm and Kalpa witnessed some traces. Dalhousie recorded 22cm of snowfall and it was 4cm in Jubbarhatti. Jalori pass, Kunzum, Kaza, Baralalacha, upper Shimla, Rajgarh in Sirmour, Seraj area in Mandi, upper areas of Kangra have also received overnight snow.

While upper and mid areas of Himachal received snow, lower areas received rain which triggered a wave of cold. The minimum temperature of Keylong on Monday was recorded at minus 6.7 degrees C and minimum temperature of Kalpa was recorded at minus 3.1 degrees C. Minimum temperature of Shimla was minus 1.1 degree C and it was 0.2 degree C in Manali. Minimum temperature of Dharamshala was 1.4 degree Celsius.

The snowfall in Shimla started on Sunday late evening. The tourists started screaming out of happiness. Snow in other parts of the state began after 10:30pm. Be it Shimla, Manali or Dharamshala, tourists enjoyed the snowfall all night. Many revelers, not caring for night curfew, came out on the roads to enjoy snowfall just before New Year.

Many roads in upper Shimla were blocked with snow. PWD had started clearing snow. Aut-Luhri highway was also blocked at Jalori pass. Atal tunnel, which is drawing the most number of tourists these days, remained closed on Monday due to snowfall.

Kullu superintendent of police Gaurav Singh said, “Roads at Solang, Atal tunnel and Jalori pass are blocked due to snowfall. The tunnel shall remain closed for tourists until snow is cleared. Tourists have been advised not to take risk of going to higher areas including Atal tunnel further advisory.”

Himachal is hosting thousands of tourists from other states every day. Most hotels are fully occupied in the state. After tourists missed a White Christmas, most of the tourists are heading with expectations of watching snowfall on New Year. A large number of tourists who are already in the state were thrilled to watch snowfall few days before New Year.

The snowfall has cheered hoteliers and fruit growers. Snow is considered a panacea for better fruit crop, especially apple crop. The fresh snow is expected to attract even more tourists to the state for new year celebrations.

Updated on December 27, 2020

Light snowfall in Manali

Manali including Solang valley, Kothi, Gulaba, Rohtang and upper areas received fresh snow today late night. The maximum day temperature in Manali on Sunday was recorded at 13 degrees C and minimum temperature ws minus 0.6 degree C. Light snowfall is predicted for Monday. Tourists are heading to Solang and Atal tunnel to see snow.

Updated on December 24, 2020

Snowfall forecast for December 27 and 28

The Shimla Meteorological office has predicted snowfall in higher parts of Himachal including Manali, Solang Valley, Atal tunnel, Lahaul valley, Rohtang pass, Kothi, Gulaba, Marhi, Jalori pass, Hamta pass, and adjoining areas on December 27 and 28. A fresh western disturbance will hit Himachal on December 26 and will remain active till December 29. Weather will be generally normal with a clear sky on December 24 and 25 and it will be cloudy from 26th onwards. Day temperature is abnormally highway at 13-14 degrees C and night temperature is close to freezing point.

Updated on December 17, 2020

Dry weather prevails in Himachal, temperature dips

After recent spells of snowfall last week, the entire Himachal including Kullu Manali is reeling under intense cold wave with temperature dipping below minus 1 degree Celsius in most places. The temperature at some places has dipped below minus 4 degrees C.

Current weather of Manali: Sunny days, with pleasant temperature in the daytime under crystal clear blue skies. People are enjoying basking in the sun. There is no chance of fresh snowfall in the next seven days. Tourists are enjoying snow at Solang valley, Atal tunnel, Anjani Mahadev, Hamta, Kothi and Jalori.

Current temperature of Manali: The average minimum temperature of Manali is minus 1 to to minus 2 degree(s) C while the maximum day temperature is 10 to 12 degrees C. You will love enjoying warmth of sun for hours.

Updated on December 06, 2020

More snowfall predicted; temperature rise

Manali, Solang Valley, Atal tunnel (Rohtang tunnel), Kothi, Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang pass, Jalori pass, Hamta pass, Palchan and nearby areas are expected to more snow in the next few days as Shimla Met Office has predicted snowfall in higher regions from December 7 to 10.

If tourists want to see fresh snowfall, you should head to Manali right away as there are more chances of snowfall on December 8 and 9.

Current Weather of Manali: Hide and seek between sun and clouds. Some traces (of snowfall) on higher peaks.

Current Temperature of Manali: The temperature in Manali has risen 4 to 5 degrees due to overcast and creating of low-pressure area. Not below freezing point but the minimum temperature of Manali in last 24 hours was 5.3 degrees Celsius and maximum day temperature was 13 degrees C.

Updated on 26 November, 2020

Heavy snowfall blocks roads, snaps electricity in Himachal

The heaviest snowfall of the season blocked many roads, snapped power transmission lines, uprooted trees and triggered a fresh wave of cold in Himachal.

Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra districts have experienced heavy snowfall. Some parts of the state, including upper Manali, have received over 90cm of snow. Many parts of the state, including Manali, had no power supply since Wednesday evening. Dozens of highways and link roads have been blocked completely or partially. As the trees still have leaves on them, accumulation of heavy snow resulted in uprooting of many trees.

South portal of Atal tunnel after snowfall on Thursday

Manali town has received 15cm of snow while Solang valley received nearly 90cm of snow. South portal of Atal tunnel has received nearly 120cm of snow and its north portal has received about 60cm of snow. Kothi, Gulaba, Marhi and Rohtang pass have received 60cm, 100cm, over 120cm and over 150cm of snow respectively. Snowfall has thrilled tourists staying in the state.

Kufri, Narkanda, Khada Pathar, Jakhu and most parts of upper Shimla have also received snow. Khadrala received 20cm of snow and Kufri received 10cm snow. The vehicular traffic in the area was crippled in the morning on Thursday. The snow has blocked Shimla-Rampur highway which further connects with Kinnaur and Spiti.

Traffic above Manali was crippled partially in the morning. Manali-Leh highway is completely blocked with up to 150cm snow at some places. Manali-Rohtang pass highway is also closed.

Lahaul-Spiti SP Manav Verma said, “Road to south portal of Atal tunnel is blocked. Keylong to Udaipur highway is open but Udaipur-Tindi road is blocked. Manali-Leh highway is also blocked.”

Kullu SP Gaurav Singh said, “Aut-Luhri national highway is blocked at Jalori pass. Vehicles from Manali are being allowed till Palchan. Only 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed to go till Solang. Solang to Atal tunnel highway is blocked. Palchan to Rohtang highway is also blocked. Tourists are advised not to venture into isolate places. People are also advised not to go towards avalanche-prone areas in upper Manali region.”

The Seraj area of Mandi district has also received good amount of snow. Dhauladhar range of Kangra and upper areas of Chamba including Pangi valley have received more snow. Kinnaur district has received moderate snow. Kalpa in Kinnaur received 17cm of snow. Spiti valley also continued to receive more snow on Thursday. While Kaza recorded about 5cm snow, Hansa received 13cm snow.

While high and middle hills received snow, lower parts of the state received rain. A fresh wave of cold has gripped the state. The minimum temperature of the state dipped 1 to 2 degrees C while the maximum temperature decreased by 2 to 3 degrees C in the last 24 hours. The maximum temperature of the state was 7 to 8 degrees C below normal. Shimla meteorological office has predicted dry weather in the next six days.

Avalanche alert for Himachal’s five districts

The authorities have issued a yellow avalanche warning for five districts of Himachal on Thursday that have received heavy snow in the last three days.

Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has warned of a medium level risk of avalanches in Kullu and Chamba in areas above 2,700m and in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts above an altitude of 2,800m. A low-level avalanche warning has been issued for areas in Shimla above an altitude of 2,600m. The yellow warning issued by SASE director is applicable till 5pm on Friday.

The higher regions of Himachal have witnessed heavy snowfall in the last 72 hours. Some regions witnessed very heavy snowfall in the last 36 hours. At some places, over 90cm of snow has accumulated. People have been advised not to venture into high altitude isolated areas and avalanche-prone areas. According to sources, risk of avalanche is more along the Solang-Atal tunnel highway and Keylong-Atal tunnel road area besides near Koksar and Jispa and Darcha.

Updated on 25 November, 2020

Heavy snowfall in Himachal hills

The higher reaches of Himachal experienced heavy snowfall for the third consecutive day which blocked many roads and caused sharp drop in the temperature.

Upper Manali is lashed with heavy snowfall. Solang valley, 13km from here, is covered with 45cm of snow. Gulaba, Marhi and Rohtang pass have received over 60cm of snow in the last 24 hours. The south portal of the Atal tunnel is deep under the snow. Tourists in Manali town were thrilled to see snowfall in the afternoon on Wednesday.

Entire Lahaul-Spiti district is also receiving snow since Tuesday. Koksar, Sissu, Keylong, Udaipur, Jispa, Darcha, Miyar valley and Spiti have received 5 to 15cm of fresh snow. Most parts of Kinnaur district are also receiving snow. 15cm snowfall was recorded in Kalpa. Upper parts of Shimla and Kangra are also receiving snow. Higher parts of Chamba, including Pangi valley, have also experienced snowfall.

Heavy snowfall has crippled traffic in many areas. While traffic was partially affected in Kalpa and Lahaul-Spiti, vehicular movement has come to a complete standstill in upper Manali. The Manali-Rohtang highway beyond Palchan is blocked. Koksar-Rohtang stretch is also blocked completely. Manali-Atal tunnel highway is also blocked beyond Solang as the highway is covered with over 45cm thick layer of snow.

Manali-Spiti highway has blocked completely and will open next year after May. Manali-Leh highway is also blocked with 30cm to 60cm thick layer of snow. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) kept the highway open till late November. But this time heavy snowfall has blocked the road. Opening of if again will depend on weather conditions. Otherwise, it will open next year after April. A large number of link roads in Lahaul have also blocked with snow.

While upper areas of Himachal received good snow, some lower parts received good rain in the last three days. This has triggered a fresh cold wave in the state. The impact of snowfall and cold will also be witnessed in neighbouring states in next few days.

According to Shimla meteorological office director Manmohan Singh, maximum temperature of the state is 5 to 6 degrees C below the normal. “At minus 2.5 degrees C, Keylong was the coldest in the state. Kalpa recorded the minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degree C and it was 2.3 degrees C in Dalhousie and 3.8 degrees C in Manali. Shimla recorded minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees C and minimum temperature of Dharamshala was 6.8 degrees C. Middle and high hills of the state may receive some snow and rain on Thursday. Weather will be generally dry Friday onwards,” he said.

Updated on November 17, 2020

Manali freezes at minus 1.5 degrees Celsius

Himachal on Monday recorded the coldest night of the season with minimum temperature at Keylong plunging to minus 6.6 degrees C and mercury in Manali settling at minus 1.5 degrees C.The night temperature in Manali has dipped below the freezing point after a snowfall on Monday morning. The water sources in upper Manali have started to freeze. The Manali-Rohtang pass highway is still closed while Manali-Atal tunnel road is also closed for tourists as the road surface has become slippery after the deposit of thick layer o ice.

Workers remove ice from the road surface near Atal tunnel on Tuesday

Temperature of Kalpa in Kinnaur has also plunged to minus 2.1 degrees C. The water sources in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, upper parts of Manali and Shimla turned ice in the night time. Shimla’s minimum temperature has decreased to 4.8 degrees C and it was 5.8 degrees C in Dharamshala.The day temperature was also abnormally low in the state on Tuesday. The mean day temperature was 8 to 9 degrees below the normal while night temperature was 1 to 2 degrees C below the normal. In the last 24 hours, the maximum temperature decreased by 3 to 4 degrees C while minimum temperature decreased by 1 to 2 degrees C.After this snowfall and rain, people have started stocking firewood for their fireplaces. Electric room heaters are also in high demand. Woollen shops are crowded by the customers. The temperature will now continue to dip in the next few weeks.Updated on November 2, 2020

Heavy snowfall blocks Manali-Leh highway, internal roads of Lahaul

The traffic came to a complete standstill on Manali-Leh highway and entire Lahaul valley following unexpected heavy snowfall on Monday. The snowfall, third spell in a week, has forced residents of Lahaul to stay indoors amid bone-chilling cold.

Manali-Rohtang highway has also been blocked after nearly 20cm of snowfall at Rohtang pass. Manali-Spiti highway is also blocked while Manali-Leh highway is blocked beyond Atal tunnel. The north portal of the tunnel, the new snow point for tourists, has received 15cm of snow. Baralacha pass on Manali-Leh highway has also received over 30cm of snow.

The Lahaul valley is covered with a thick blanket of snow which has blocked all major and link roads. District headquarters Keylong has received 20cm snow. Jispa and Darcha have experienced over 25cm of snowfall.

The residents had not expected such snowfall as thin clouds were hovering over the sky on Sunday evening. The weather changed suddenly in the night time and it started snowing which continued on Monday. Snow started accumulating fast with large snowflakes. The traffic was stopped by the police after vehicles started slipping on the snow.

Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Pankaj Rai said Manali-Keylong-Leh highway, Keylong-Spiti road and internal roads of Lahaul are blocked with snow. “Vehicles are being stopped at north portal of Atal tunnel. Vehicles are not being allowed to come towards Kunzum pass from Losar in Spiti. Depending on weather conditions, the vehicles can be allowed to move in Lahaul on Tuesday,” he said.

Kullu police had restricted movement of vehicles to Gulaba check post as it was dangerous to move towards Rohtang pass.

Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi said highway till Atal tunnel is open and tourists are being allowed to go till north portal of the tunnel in Lahaul. “Driving beyond tunnel is risky due to the thick layer of snow. Tourists and other vehicles are not being allowed to go to Rohtang beyond Gulaba,” he said.

While it was snowing heavily in Lahaul and higher reaches of Kullu, the lower parts of Kullu district including Manali witnessed thundershowers and hailstorms. The black clouds were hovering over Lahaul valley and parts of Kullu, it was sunny day in rest parts of the state. The maximum day temperature at Keylong was recorded at 7.6 degrees Celsius, the temperature at lower areas exceeded 25 degrees C with Una recording highest temperature in the state at 31 degrees C.

The residents of Lahaul had not expected heavy snowfall without prior weather warning. While some residents were happy to see good snowfall in the beginning of the winter season, the snowfall on apple crop has disheartened the growers.

Updated on January 10, 2020

No respite from cold, Manali shivers at minus 7.6 degrees C

The intense cold wave conditions continued to affect normal life in Himachal as mercury at some places had plunged below minus 15 degrees Celsius. Post heavy snowfall, the bone-chilling cold in Manali is breaking records of last many years.At minus 26 degrees C, Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti valley, froze at minus 26 degrees C. The temperature at some places in Spiti including Kibber, Komic and Hikkim is expected to be even low. Temperature at Keylong has plummeted to minus 17.6 degrees C and it was minus 7.6 degrees C in Manali. State capital Shimla recorded low of minus 1.3 degrees C. Kalpa (-6.4), Dharamshala (1.2), Solan (-1.6), Dalhousie (0.2) and Mandi (1) are also shivering with cold.The traffic in parts of Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts remained affected due to accumulation of snow and ice. The icing of the road and footpath has created troubles for pedestrians, especially tourists. Hundreds of cases of slip and fall were witnessed on Friday.

In Manali, the buses are not being allowed to move beyond Aluground, 5km from here. The tourists are either forced to walk on foot with their luggage or are hiring private taxis. As there is no space to park vehicles and most connecting roads are either blocked or slippery, Manali witnessed long traffic jams for the whole day.Meanwhile, authorities are struggling to bring life back on track. The snow turned hard ice that has stuck to the roads and footpaths is posing challenge before the workers. The residents and hoteliers are unhappy with the authorities for not starting snow clearing works from the very beginning which could have provided relief to the people.“I don’t know where the machineries are working. Most of the roads and streets here are still blocked with snow and ice. People are having trouble in walking on ice. The snow clearing works always start when situations go beyond control,” a resident Shailender Sharma said.The houses and hotels in Manali area had no water in the morning time for second consecutive day as all water pipes got frozen. The essential supplies reached the town on Friday.In Lahaul, internet services are down for many days and phones are not working properly in many areas. Most internal roads are blocked and residents are spending days indoors.Shimla meteorological centre director Manmohan Singh said the minimum temperature of the state was 3 to 4 degrees below the normal temperature during this time of season and it maximum temperature was 4 to 5 degrees C below the normal temperature. “Another western disturbance is likely to hit the state on Saturday which may bring more snow and rain in next few days,” he said.