Himachal Turns Winter Wonderland in April: Snow, Rainfall, and Thunderstorms Create a Magical Escape

Just when the northern plains start to sizzle under relentless summer heat, Himachal Pradesh has thrown in a dramatic twist—transforming its lush valleys and snow-capped peaks into a scenic wonderland overnight. On Friday, the hill state witnessed an unexpected but refreshing turn in weather, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even fresh snowfall in the higher reaches.

From Shimla to Dharamshala and Dalhousie to Lahaul-Spiti, the entire region has been drenched and dusted in nature’s cool embrace. Tourists lucky enough to already be in Himachal are soaking in postcard-perfect views—sipping hot chai while watching snowflakes drift past pine-covered peaks.

While the plains scorched at over 38°C, Himachal offered a stunning contrast. Una recorded a searing 36.4°C on Friday, but Keylong shivered at just 6.1°C. The most jaw-dropping change was seen in Bhuntar, where the temperature dropped by a whopping 10.8°C in just 24 hours. The average dip across the state stood at 4.3°C, making it the ultimate getaway for those fleeing the heatwave.

Rainfall reports came in from several districts—37 mm in Dharamshala, 21 mm in Dalhousie, and 7 mm each in Shimla and Kangra. Thick clouds, lightning, and gusty winds turned the skies into a dramatic canvas, painting a moody yet mesmerizing backdrop across the hills.

Even Saturday hasn’t promised much calm. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for multiple districts, warning of thunderstorms and wind speeds up to 40 km/h. An orange alert has also been issued for isolated hailstorm activity in Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Mandi.

In Lahaul-Spiti, fresh snowfall has disrupted travel near the Atal Tunnel. While the north portal continued receiving relentless snow, falling stones and snow buildup on the south side and Dhundhi region have made roads risky. Traffic on the Manali-Dhundhi stretch was heavily affected, though officials remain optimistic about improvements soon.

Authorities have urged tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on high-altitude routes like NH-003, and reach destinations early. Drivers are advised to stay vigilant due to slippery roads and low visibility.

In the scenic town of Manali, rain offered a much-needed reprieve from the earlier heat, while the Lahaul Valley entered a full-fledged snowy phase. The Banjar subdivision in Kullu district faced a mix of hail and rain on Friday, damaging crops in the area. While the precipitation has benefitted wheat, potato, and barley crops, apple trees—which are in their flowering stage—may suffer due to the hail.

Orchardists in Banjar Valley voiced their concerns over the hailstorm. Gulab Singh, Devendra Kumar, and Ranju Rana noted that while the rain brought relief from rising temperatures, the accompanying hail caused many apple blossoms to fall, which could significantly affect fruit production this season.

Despite the agricultural concerns, Himachal Pradesh remains a dreamlike destination right now. The hills are cool, the views are magical, and the mountain air is a balm for heat-weary souls. For those looking to escape the furnace of the plains, Himachal is not just calling—it’s serenading.