Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh experienced a fresh round of snowfall and continuous rain on February 27, 2025, drastically lowering temperatures and generating significant traffic inconvenience. The snowfall has blanket Doda and Bhalesa during the past 36 hours.
While unexpected snow had earlier frightened farmers about crop damage, many have now expressed relief since the current spell is probably beneficial for agriculture.
Rajouri's long dry spell has at last broken with much-needed rain. While fresh snow covers the upper portions of the Pir Panjal mountain range, constant rain has been falling on the lower slopes. The rains has also replenished numerous virtually dry rivers, therefore improving the surrounding water supply.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is coping with severe storms since a lot of snowfall has caused an avalanche alert in Lahaul and Spiti. The state meteorological authority alerts Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and other high-altitude locations above 2,300 meters. Under hazardous conditions several significant routes, including National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) near Narkanda in the Shimla area, have been closed. Though traffic on this road has been diverted via Luhri and Sunni, several other highways remain closed due of significant snowfall.
In Kullu’s Manikaran Valley, flash flood concerns arose after an artificial lake formed in Jeera Nallah, prompting authorities to evacuate residents of Tosh village. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and warning that more snowfall would greatly increase the risk. Major routes include Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu, Koksar-Manali via Rohtang, and the Atal Tunnel to Manali are inaccessible due of heavy snow, therefore severely disrupting connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. Especially in high-altitude areas prone to avalanches, the police of Himachal Pradesh have urged tourists against unnecessary travel.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted continuous heavy snowfall and rain in several districts including Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba. While districts of Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Hamirpur are most likely to get significant showers in the following days, Shimla has been issued a yellow warning for expected heavy snow.
Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded 22 cm whereas Khadrala, Kukumseri, Hansa, and Kalpa received between 3.4 cm and 12 cm in terms of snowfall accumulation. Manali and the surrounds recorded 40 mm of rain according to the weather office. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti was identified as the coldest location with temperatures reaching to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius; Nahan noted the highest daytime temperature—23.2 degrees Celsius.
Himachal Pradesh has thus far had 70.4 mm of rainfall—much less than the average 181.7 mm recorded between January 1 and February 27. Officials remain concerned about the unpredictable weather patterns and the persistent threats of roadblocks, avalanches, and landslides. Authorities have advised locals and visitors to be informed with weather warnings and avoid high-risk areas with snowfall and rain expected till February 28.
(With inputs from agencies)
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