Severe weather conditions continue to grip Himachal Pradesh, with heavy to very heavy snowfall reported across the state's high-altitude regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba districts, warning residents of the dangerous weather conditions expected on Thursday and Friday, February 27 and 28, 2025.
Reports indicate significant disruptions to daily life due to the snowfall, with over 160 roads blocked, including important national highways. The Atal Tunnel Rohtang has also been closed, effectively isolATING Lahaul from Manali. The adverse weather has led to over 90% of electricity outages across villages, particularly in the Lahaul-Spiti region. The impact has been so severe, the Lahaul-Spiti administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday, citing avalanche threats due to the continuous heavy snowfall.
According to readings from the local weather office, Keylong received around 20 cm of snow, with Khadrala and Kukumseri also recording significant snowfall at 12 cm and 9.6 cm, respectively. The coldest temperatures were reported at Tabo, dropping to -4.5 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severe conditions residents are facing.
While the upper reaches and higher altitudes are currently gripped by snow, the middle and lower hills have experienced intermittent rains. Notably, Sarahan recorded the highest rainfall at 29.1 mm, followed by Seobagh at 22.2 mm. Other regions, including Shimla, Solan, Kalpa, Mandi, Kufri, and Kasauli, reported between 2 to 5 mm of rainfall.
With avalanche threats looming, local authorities are urging residents and tourists to heed caution. “We advise locals and tourists to heed weather forecasts before travelling,” said Torul S Ravish, Deputy Commissioner, Kullu. “Snowfall will be seen in higher reaches, and rainfall in the lower reaches.” This precaution urges those caught up planning to travel to Himachal Pradesh this week to reconsider their plans.
Conditions are expected to remain turbulent in the immediate future, with thunderstorms and lightning predicted over the next two days. The District Disaster Management teams have issued alerts and are actively monitoring the risks posed by the weather. Residents are continuously evaluated on the dangers of avalanches since the Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) issued their warnings. Areas above 2,300 meters are categorized as medium-risk for avalanches, putting local communities on high alert.
“Avalanche threats due to continuous heavy snowfall,” said the Lahaul-Spiti administration, emphasizing the danger faced by local communities. They are working to restore power and provide assistance where electricity has been disrupted. The IMD has noted the winter season so far has yielded only 70.4 mm of rain as of the end of February, marking a 61% deficit compared to the normal rainfall of 181.7 mm.
Residents must stay updated on advisories and avoid unnecessary movement, particularly as the risk of avalanches and roadblocks remains high. The road connectivity faces severe challenges due to the heavy accumulation of snow. With continuous snowfall, relief efforts have also been obstructed.
Local officials from various districts are working tirelessly to manage the impact of the storm. “Restoration of roads and power supply is underway,” said one local weather officer, “but continued snowfall poses challenges to relief efforts.”
The culmination of this severe weather chapter for Himachal Pradesh reflects both the beauty and the challenges of living amid majestic yet unpredictable mountains. Residents and visitors alike are reminded to respect the power of nature and heed local advisories during such turbulent weather conditions.
The forecast suggests additional adverse weather as another western disturbance approaches the region by March 2, which could lead to even more significant weather changes, potentially worsening conditions. For now, residents are encouraged to remain indoors and prioritize safety as they navigate through this intense winter weather.