The high mountains of Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district are witnessing fresh snowfall even in April. Snowfall was recorded last night in areas including Atal Tunnel, Darcha, Rohtang Pass, Shinkula Pass and Spiti Valley. Meanwhile, rainfall was reported in other parts of the state.

Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued Across Districts

According to the India Meteorological Department, there is no relief expected from rain for the next six days. An orange alert for hailstorms and thunderstorms has been issued for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla.

A yellow alert has been issued for most districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Additionally, yellow alerts are in place for several districts on April 5 and 6, expanding to 10 districts on April 7, while an orange alert has again been issued for April 8.

Advisory Issued, Tourist Movement Restricted

The Meteorological Department has advised residents to remain cautious and avoid traveling to high-altitude areas. Authorities have also restricted tourism activities, particularly near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass, due to the risk of avalanches.

Tourists, however, were seen enjoying snowfall at the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel where movement is still permitted.

January-Like Cold Conditions Return

The sudden weather change has brought back January-like cold conditions in the higher regions. Over the past 24 hours, the state’s average maximum temperature dropped significantly below normal levels, and further decline of 3–4 degrees Celsius is expected in the coming days.

Temperatures dropped sharply in several areas: Mandi saw a fall of 7.4°C to 23.5°C, Bhuntar dropped 7.2°C to 21.4°C, Sundernagar dropped 7.1°C to 23.7°C, Manali fell 6.4°C to 15.2°C, and Shimla recorded a drop of 3.0°C to 20.4°C.

With continued rain and snowfall, cold conditions are expected to persist across the region for at least the next six days.