Shimla: Snowfall is occurring in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and now Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall has been continuing in these areas since 4 a.m. today. Mani Mahesh, Kugti, and Holi in Chamba received up to two centimeters of fresh snow.
Koksar-Palchan (Rohtang Pass), Koksar-Losar (Kunzum Top) and Chandratal roads have been closed due to snowfall.
Torrential rains have been falling in the lower and mid-altitude areas of the state, causing a sharp drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature in Manali dropped by 7.8 degrees, bringing the temperature to 15.6 degrees.
Meanwhile, Keylong recorded a minimum temperature of 0.1 degrees Celsius. Dalhousie in Chamba recorded the largest drop of 6.3 degrees Celsius, with the mercury dipping to 6 degrees.
The Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for heavy rain and strong winds (40-50 km/hr) for Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Mandi and Una districts.
The Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, and the Dhauladhar mountains received the season’s first snowfall. Hailstorms and snowfall are also expected in many areas. A yellow alert will remain in effect tomorrow in eight districts of the state, while clear weather is expected the day after.