Heavy Snow and Rain Expected as Western Disturbance Affects Weather
Shimla, March 11, 2025 – Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude regions are witnessing fresh snowfall, bringing a significant drop in temperatures across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for the next four days, warning of snowfall, rain, and lightning strikes in various parts of the state. The alert remains in effect until March 17, with unsettled weather conditions likely to persist across the region.
Fresh Snowfall Recorded in Tribal Areas
As sporadic snowfall continues in Himachal Pradesh, several high-altitude tribal regions have recorded significant snow accumulation:
✔ Gondla: 16 cm snowfall recorded overnight
✔ Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti): 15 cm snowfall
✔ Kukumseri: 4 cm snowfall
In addition to snowfall in the Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Pangi regions, other parts of the state have witnessed light rainfall, further contributing to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Cloudy Skies and Cold Weather in Popular Hill Stations
The impact of the changing weather has been evident in popular tourist destinations such as Shimla and Manali, where cloudy skies and cold winds have set in. The western disturbances affecting the state are expected to intensify the winter-like conditions over the next few days.
Meanwhile, low-lying areas in Himachal Pradesh have also seen partial cloud cover, adding to the overall cooling effect.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Snowfall, Rain, and Thunderstorms
According to IMD Shimla Director Kuldeep Srivastava, the influence of a western disturbance will bring major weather changes in the state over the coming days.
🔸 Key Weather Warnings:
📍 March 12-14: Yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in some areas.
📍 Until March 17: Snowfall expected in higher altitudes, while rainfall will likely affect low-lying regions.
These conditions could impact travel and outdoor activities, prompting local authorities and residents to remain cautious.
Himachal Pradesh Temperature Update
The cold wave has caused temperatures to fluctuate across the state, with some regions witnessing sub-zero temperatures.
Lowest Recorded Minimum Temperatures:
❄ Tabo (Lahaul-Spiti): -3°C (coldest in the state)
❄ Kukumseri: -2.8°C
❄ Keylong: -0.6°C
Other Notable Minimum Temperatures Across Himachal Pradesh:
🌡 Kalpa (Kinnaur): 2.6°C
🌡 Manali: 6.9°C
🌡 Shimla: 11.6°C
🌡 Sundernagar: 11.5°C
🌡 Bhuntar: 10.5°C
🌡 Dharamshala: 5.3°C
🌡 Una: 9.2°C
🌡 Nahan: 13.1°C
🌡 Palampur: 11.5°C
🌡 Solan: 9°C
🌡 Dalhousie: 8.6°C
🌡 Bharmaur: 6.3°C
🌡 Seobagh: 9°C
Despite the cold conditions, the IMD reported a 0.4°C rise in the state’s average minimum temperature over the past 24 hours.
What to Expect in the Coming Days?
As the western disturbance continues, Himachal Pradesh will likely experience:
✅ Heavy snowfall in high-altitude regions
✅ Rainfall in mid and low-altitude areas
✅ Strong winds and thunderstorms in select districts
✅ Further drop in temperatures, making conditions colder
Travelers and residents in higher altitudes should prepare for roadblocks and possible disruptions due to snow accumulation.
Precautionary Measures for Residents and Tourists
As the IMD Yellow Alert remains in place, residents, travelers, and local authorities should take necessary precautions:
✔ Avoid unnecessary travel in snowfall-prone areas due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
✔ Wear warm clothing to combat the intensifying cold.
✔ Stay updated with local weather forecasts to plan travel accordingly.
✔ Tourists should check road conditions before heading to higher altitudes like Rohtang Pass, Spiti, and Kinnaur.
✔ Residents in rain-prone areas should be cautious of waterlogging and landslides.
The authorities have been alerted, and emergency services are on standby to assist with any weather-related disruptions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
