An early spell of snowfall has turned the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand into stunning winter landscapes, but the beauty comes at a cost. The heavy snow has disrupted normal life, blocked highways, snapped electricity in several areas, and damaged apple orchards. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for multiple hill districts.

🏔️ Himachal Pradesh Covered in Snow

High-altitude areas of Lahaul–Spiti, Kullu, Manali, and Chamba witnessed continuous snowfall for the third straight day. Entire valleys are now under a thick blanket of snow, leaving residents cut off from essential services.

• Keylong recorded -0.5°C

• Kukumseri touched -0.3°C, with higher regions dipping to -5°C

• The Atal Tunnel’s north portal, Koksar, Sissu, and Darcha received up to 1.5 feet of snow

• Villages like Yoche, Gondhla, and Sissu saw over a foot of snow

Roads including the Manali-Leh highway remain closed, with vehicles halted at Darcha. Electricity supply has been cut in several remote villages, forcing locals to depend on wood fires and heaters.

🕉️ Heavy Snowfall at Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand

In Chamoli, Uttarakhand, the sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara was buried under 2.5 feet of snow. Despite freezing conditions, pilgrims continue to reach the shrine, as preparations for the annual closure are underway.

The snowfall has made the journey dangerous, but devotees show unwavering faith. Authorities have arranged for the shrine’s closure ceremony as only one day of pilgrimage remains.

🌧️ Rain and Thunderstorms in Lower Hills

While higher regions faced snowfall, moderate to heavy rainfall lashed lower and middle hills.

• Naina Devi received 132.6 mm rain

• Solan recorded 119.6 mm

• Other regions like Pachhad, Kasauli, Berthin, and Palampur reported heavy showers

Thunderstorms hit Kangra, Shimla, Jubbarhatti, and Sundernagar, while gusty winds swept through Kufri, Narkanda, and Tabo.

🚫 Blocked Roads and Losses to Apple Orchards

In Pangi valley (Chamba), 26 cm of snow cut off the region completely, shutting the Sach Pass road. Landslides near Tandi blocked the Kullu-Manali route.

Apple farmers reported severe losses, as snow damaged apples still hanging on trees and halted transport due to blocked roads.

🌩️ Delhi-NCR Weather Impact

The sudden change in weather also hit the Delhi-NCR region on Tuesday evening, where heavy rainfall disrupted traffic. At least 15 flights were diverted from Delhi Airport.

The IMD forecast warns of moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across central, northern, and southwest Delhi in the coming days.

⚠️ IMD Yellow Alert Issued

The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for Kullu, Lahaul–Spiti, Chamba, and Kangra, warning of:

• Heavy snowfall

• Strong winds

• Thunderstorms and rain

Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.