Himachal Pradesh weather: Orange alert issued for heavy snow in Lahaul and Spiti in next two days

Rain swept parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, while the Lahaul and Spiti district witnessed fresh snowfall, as the local meteorological department issued an orange alert warning of heavy snow and thunderstorms over the next two days.

According to the Shimla Met office, Lahaul and Spiti are likely to receive heavy snowfall on Thursday and Friday. It also warned that isolated areas in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts may experience heavy rain or snow, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hail and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–60 kmph during this period.

The department has forecast a wet spell across the state until March 24. Light to moderate rain or snowfall is expected at most places on Thursday and Friday, while scattered light precipitation may continue between March 21 and 24.


On Wednesday, several areas in Lahaul and Spiti recorded snowfall, with Gondla receiving 4 cm, Kukumseri 3.6 cm, Keylong 3 cm and Hans 2.5 cm.

Rainfall was also reported in parts of the state. Manali recorded the highest at 14 mm, followed by Dharamshala and Kangra with 2 mm each, while Shimla and Jubberhatti received 1 mm each.

Tabo remained the coldest location at night with a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, while Nahan was the warmest during the day at 24 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh has recorded a rainfall deficit of 54 per cent in the ongoing pre-monsoon season (March 1–18), receiving 31.4 mm of rain against the normal of 67.7 mm.