Shimla, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Snowfall continued for the second consecutive day in the high-altitude and tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, covering the hills of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Chamba in a thick white blanket. The persistent snow and rain have led to a sharp fall in temperatures, bringing severe cold across the region.
According to the Meteorological Department, Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded sub-zero temperatures for the first time this season, with a minimum of -0.5°C, while Kukumseri recorded -0.3°C and Tabo 1.6°C.
Cold winds have made conditions across the state resemble December–January winter chills. Continuous rainfall was recorded in Shimla and other mid and low hill regions. Pachhad (Sirmaur) received the highest rainfall at 59 mm, followed by Jaiton Barrage (58 mm), Kukumseri (56 mm), Kothi (54 mm), Kandaghat (43 mm), Kasauli (42 mm), Nahan (41 mm) and Jot (38 mm).
In Lahaul-Spiti, Gondla received 26 cm, Keylong 20 cm, and Kukumseri 6 cm of snow. Due to heavy snowfall, several key routes including Manali-Leh, Darcha-Shinkula, Koksar-Kaza, and Dodra-Kwar have been blocked. However, traffic remains operational from Manali to Keylong through the Atal Tunnel Rohtang. Some tourist vehicles stranded in Lahaul Valley were rescued with the help of local authorities.
In Chamba, snowfall continued for the second day with 4 inches recorded in Killar (Pangi Valley) and up to 8 inches in higher areas, disrupting road connectivity. Continuous rain and cold have intensified the cold wave across the district.
Mandi district also witnessed continuous rainfall since last night, causing a significant drop in temperature and damage to maize and fodder crops. Farmers are unable to access their fields for two days, adding to their concerns.
Light snowfall was reported in upper reaches of Kinnaur, while lower areas received rain. Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, and Kangra also experienced steady showers throughout the day.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert across the state for rain and thunderstorms. The weather is expected to remain unsettled on October 8 and 9, while clear conditions are forecast from October 10 to 13.
The state’s average minimum temperature has dropped 3.2°C below normal. Manali and Shimla recorded 3°C and 2.7°C below normal respectively. Minimum temperatures were 4.9°C in Narkanda, 6°C in Dalhousie, 6.1°C in Manali, 6.3°C in Reckong Peo, 6.7°C in Kufri, and 8.8°C in Shimla.
This unseasonal snowfall and rain have brought winter-like chills to Himachal Pradesh in early October.
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.
