Fresh snowfall and heavy rains have disrupted life across several parts of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) remains shut due to snowfall and landslides, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Authorities have halted traffic on the highway, citing slippery roads and poor visibility, while clearance operations are underway.
Tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam were blanketed in snow, while lower areas received heavy rainfall. Helicopter and ropeway services at the Vaishno Devi shrine were suspended due to adverse weather. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy conditions from February 21-23, with light rain or snow at scattered locations on February 24-25 and moderate to heavy snowfall expected from February 26-28.
In Himachal Pradesh, higher reaches including Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu received snowfall, while lower areas experienced rain, leading to road closures. Roads beyond Nehru Kund in Manali have been shut, with authorities advising caution. An orange alert for heavy snowfall and thunderstorms has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts. A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to impact Northwest India from February 24 onwards.
Uttarakhand’s upper reaches, including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag districts, received fresh snowfall, covering the Himalayan temples in a white blanket. Lower regions saw intermittent drizzles, reviving winter chills after a dry spell. Dehradun also experienced rainfall, causing temperatures to drop further.
The weather disturbance extended beyond the hills, with Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi witnessing light showers. Punjab’s Amritsar, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Patiala saw drizzles, while parts of Rajasthan received moderate rain. In Delhi, the temperature dipped slightly, with the city recording a high of 27.4°C. The IMD predicts a cloudy sky with light drizzles for Friday, with a minimum temperature of around 12°C.
With more snowfall and rain in the forecast, authorities have advised travelers to check weather updates before planning any trips to affected areas.
.
