Orange Alert for Heavy Rain and Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh

March 19, 2026

A fresh spell of rain and snowfall has once again commenced in Himachal Pradesh. Throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday, intermittent snowfall occurred on the mountain peaks, while the lower regions experienced rain. Snowfall was reported at the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Dhundi, and on the peaks of Lahaul and Kinnaur. Due to the snowfall, the police administration has suspended vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel.

In the morning, all vehicles were halted at Nehru Kund itself. Meanwhile, vehicular movement which had resumed through the Jalori Pass after a gap of three days—had to be suspended once again in the evening due to fresh snowfall. High-altitude peaks in Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti continued to receive snowfall on Wednesday as well. An ‘Orange Alert’ for heavy rain and snowfall has been issued for six districts of Himachal Pradesh for Thursday and Friday, while a ‘Yellow Alert’ will remain in effect for the remaining five districts, excluding Kinnaur.

Additionally, strong winds gusting at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are expected in several areas. Upper Shimla, Kinnaur, and the Outer Seraj region of Kullu district remained overcast throughout the day on Wednesday; however, the weather took a turn for the worse towards the evening, and rain began in the lower regions. The Una district also remained overcast starting Wednesday morning.

Cold winds continued to blow throughout the day. In the afternoon, light drizzle was reported in a few locations. Since Wednesday morning, intermittent snowfall has been occurring at the Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, Shinku La, and Kunzum Pass. In the afternoon, temperatures dropped significantly due to snowfall in areas surrounding the Atal Tunnel—including Koksar, Ghepan Peak, the Bara and Chhota Shigri Glaciers, and the Chandra Valley.

Traffic between Manali and Keylong has also been restored for light motor vehicles. In Kullu, 11 roads and 11 electricity transformers remain non-functional. In Lahaul-Spiti, 134 roads and 15 transformers remained out of service. Strong winds, gusting at speeds of 40 to 50 km/h, may sweep across several regions.

Due to snowfall, the police administration has suspended vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel. In the morning, all vehicles were halted at Nehru Kund itself. Vehicular traffic—which had resumed via the Jalori Pass just three days ago—had to be suspended once again in the evening.