Fresh snowfall in Himachal’s high mountains, rain and snow forecast for 6 days

March 12, 2026

Chamba: Fresh snowfall was recorded today in the high mountains of Lahaul-Spiti, a tribal district of Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall in Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Shinkula Pass, Rohtang Pass, Koksar, and the Lahaul Valley has caused temperatures to drop in the higher elevations.

According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological Department (IMD), snowfall is expected in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti by 12 noon, and rain in Kangra and Kullu. Meanwhile, inclement weather has persisted in most parts of the state, including Shimla, since morning.

Thunderstorm warning in 5 districts

According to the IMD, a yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts today. Strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are expected in these areas.

rain and snowfall expected for the next six days

The Meteorological Department says that rain and snowfall are likely to continue in the state for the next six days. Snowfall is expected in the higher elevations and light rain in the lower and mid-altitude areas. Light snowfall was also recorded on the high peaks of Lahaul-Spiti on Wednesday night.

According to meteorologists, the Western Disturbance may weaken slightly tomorrow, but it will strengthen and reactivate on March 14. Consequently, heavy rain and snowfall are expected across the state on March 15. Rain and snowfall may continue in many areas on March 16 and 17.

Relief from the heat

Rain and snowfall have brought some relief to the people of the state from the heat. Night temperatures have dropped by 2 to 3 degrees in many places in the higher regions, and this may drop further in the coming days.

In the recent past, the maximum temperature in many cities of the state was 6 to 10 degrees above normal. Kalpa recorded a maximum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius, 9.9 degrees above normal, Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius, 7.7 degrees above normal, Solan recorded 30 degrees Celsius, and Dharamshala recorded 29 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Una recorded the highest temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours.

No rain in March so far

According to the Meteorological Department, February saw 96 percent less rainfall than normal, and between March 1 and 11, it was 100 percent less rainfall. This had led to drought-like conditions in the state. In such a situation, fresh rain and snowfall may bring relief to farmers and gardeners.

Although light rain and snowfall have occurred only in the higher elevations so far, the drought that has been ongoing for about a month and a half across the state is expected to end in the next four to five days.