Cold wave conditions have intensified in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh following fresh snowfall across the upper reaches of Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti districts. The weather also brought moderate to very heavy rainfall to the lower and middle hills.
The significant snow accumulation has led to the Manali-Leh road being blocked, with officials halting vehicles traveling toward Ladakh at Darcha. Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded 15 cm of snow, while Gondhla received the highest at 30 cm.
Heavy Rainfall Batters Lower Hills
The lower and middle parts of the state were lashed by heavy rains since Tuesday evening. Naina Devi recorded the maximum downpour with 132.6 mm, followed by Solan (119.6 mm) and Berthin (78.6 mm). Thunderstorms were also reported in areas including Kangra, Palampur, and Shimla.
The sudden change in weather has pushed minimum temperatures below normal across most locations. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the state’s lowest temperature at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.
The local Met office has forecast a slight respite, expecting light rain and snow in the higher hills and isolated light showers in the lower and middle hills for Wednesday and Thursday, followed by dry weather. Notably, Himachal Pradesh has already received an unusually high 44.2 mm of rain in the post-monsoon season (October 1–7), an excess of 625 percent above the normal average.