Heavy snowfall hits Himachal Pradesh’s Manali on December 23. This sudden heavy snowfall has caused a massive traffic jam with around 1,000 vehicles stuck between Solang and the Atal Tunnel, in Rohtang. In order to get out from the snow stuck roads authorities launched a rescue operation. The rescue operation is helping to relocate around 700 tourists to safe locations. For this heavy snowfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave warning for Himachal Pradesh from December 23 to 26. Along with this several cold wave […]
Himachal Pradesh Receives Heavy Rainfall
Heavy snowfall hits Himachal Pradesh’s Manali on December 23. This sudden heavy snowfall has caused a massive traffic jam with around 1,000 vehicles stuck between Solang and the Atal Tunnel, in Rohtang. In order to get out from the snow stuck roads authorities launched a rescue operation. The rescue operation is helping to relocate around 700 tourists to safe locations.
For this heavy snowfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe cold wave warning for Himachal Pradesh from December 23 to 26. Along with this several cold wave conditions are also expected in parts of the state during this period. Though heavy snowfall and cold weather has restricted and created a blockage in the roads Himachal Pradesh is still seeing a surge in tourists for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Shimla has recorded 8 cm of fresh snow, while Kalpa had received around 7 cm of snowfall. Whereas other areas like Kufri, Narkanda, Kharapathar, Chaurdhar, and Samdho also saw snowfall.
Shimla’s snowfall has brought a wave of joy and hope for the tourists. The snow, which arrived after a two-week gap since December 8, has delighted visitors and revived the local tourism industry, which struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists, drawn by the snow-covered hills, are extending their stays, creating a festive atmosphere. This unexpected snowfall has also fueled dreams of a “White Christmas.”
However, the snow led to the closure of 30 roads, including national highways in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Despite the disruptions, the tourism sector is benefiting from the renewed interest.
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The Upper Himalayan region in Uttarakhand is experiencing heavy snowfall, with dense clouds covering lower areas. Munsiyari recorded temperatures as low as -2°C, disrupting daily life. Major peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Rajrambha are also snow-covered, while border districts face freezing temperatures.
Delhi’s weather remains mild compared to the northern hill regions, with temperatures ranging from 12.05°C to 21.2°C. However, dense blanket of fog continues to disrupt visibility. This in turn is especially affecting several train services.
The dense fog is causing significant delays in train services, particularly in North India. Trains such as the Prayagraj Express, Shiv Ganga Express, and Vikramshila Express are running behind schedule. Passengers are advised to check train statuses before heading to stations. The IMD has forecast dense fog in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, and Assam.
Despite the delays, snow-covered mountains are drawing tourists eager to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
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While North India faces a cold wave, the weather in Southern India braces for rainfall due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall. This rainfall may affect Christmas celebrations. Thunderstorms and lightning are likely to occur in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Rayalaseema on December 25-26. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is also on alert for heavy downpours.
The IMD predicts an active western disturbance from December 26. This will interact with easterly winds and bring high moisture levels from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal until December 28. Hence to avoid and accident and to stay safe fishermen have been advised to stay away from the waters off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
