Snowfall, Rain, and Rescue: Himachal’s Weather Turns Dramatic
Himachal Pradesh has been swept by a sudden change in weather, bringing snow to the higher reaches and widespread rain across several districts. The return of dark clouds and chilly winds has transformed Shimla, Manali, and other towns into wintry landscapes once again.
Fresh snowfall around the Atal Tunnel and Dhundi left nearly a thousand tourist vehicles stranded on slippery roads, with police teams stepping in to rescue travelers on Sunday evening. Manali town itself saw snow over the past 24 hours, intensifying the cold wave.
Picturesque peaks like Shikari Devi and Shatadhar in Mandi, the Dhauladhar range in Kangra, and Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Kalatop in Chamba were all dusted with snow, delighting tourists and locals alike. Meanwhile, intermittent rain and hailstorms swept through Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur, Solan, Kangra, Una, and Bilaspur, breaking a long dry spell that farmers and orchardists had been anxiously enduring.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall until March 21, with an orange alert for heavy precipitation on March 19 in Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba. Hailstorms are also expected in Chamba, Shimla, and Solan.
For residents, the sudden chill is a reminder of Himachal’s unpredictable mountain weather, but for farmers and orchardists, it’s a welcome gift that revives hopes for their crops.
