Amidst the sweltering heat in the plains, many tourists have sought refuge in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh. The recent snowfall in Manali and rainfall in various parts of the state have brought much-needed relief from the scorching temperatures.
Unseasonable snowfall has blanketed the picturesque hill stations of Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India, prompting concerns about climate change. While some revel in the beauty of the snowfall, others express worry as it is an unusual occurrence for this time of year. The snowfall, brought by a western disturbance, has led to road closures and traffic disruptions, but is expected to subside from April 30th. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert and predicts further hailstorms in the coming days, keeping temperatures low. The snowfall has been observed in higher altitudes including Shimla, Chamba, Sirmaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, with Koksar and Hansa experiencing significant accumulation. The western disturbance has also brought rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms to the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Kupwara district, where heavy rain has caused a flood-like situation. Fresh snowfall has been reported in Bandipora district and the Machil sector of Kupwara. The incessant rain has also led to flooding in some areas of Handwara, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority to declare a school holiday in Kupwara. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, along with widespread snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
