Himachal Weather News
Season’s First Snow Blankets Himachal & J&K; Rain Ends Long Dry Spell in Punjab, Haryana, Boosts Rabi Crops
Snowfall and widespread rain brought dark, wintry skies across North India on Friday, with hill states turning postcard-white and the plains finally receiving much-needed showers that ended a prolonged dry spell.
Snowfall and widespread rain brought dark, wintry skies across North India on Friday, with hill states turning postcard-white and the plains finally receiving much-needed showers that ended a prolonged dry spell.
While the change in weather cheered tourists and farmers alike, it also disrupted normal life, blocking roads, snapping power supply and affecting air and road connectivity in several regions.
Himachal turns winter wonderland
Himachal Pradesh recorded its first snowfall of the season, breaking a nearly three-month-long dry spell and transforming the state into a winter landscape.
Higher reaches of Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi received over a foot of snow, while lower areas experienced steady rainfall.
The precipitation has come as a major relief for farmers, fruit growers and the tourism sector.
“Fruit cultivation and tourism are the sources of livelihood for lakhs of families. Without snowfall, both would become unsustainable,” said an orchardist.
However, the weather also caused widespread disruption. Nearly 700 roads were closed, while around 4,800 power distribution transformers were affected, leaving many areas without electricity.
Punjab, Haryana get rain relief
Punjab and Haryana witnessed light to moderate rainfall over the past 24 hours, significantly improving the rainfall deficit.
- Punjab’s January rainfall, earlier 87% deficient, turned 18% surplus overnight
- Haryana’s deficit reduced from 92% to 33%
Agricultural experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) said the rainfall is crucial for the rabi season, as it replenishes soil moisture and supports crop growth.
In Punjab, Gurdaspur (40.3 mm) recorded the highest rainfall, followed by Pathankot (32.5 mm) and Sangrur (21.2 mm). Ferozepur, Muktsar and Fatehgarh Sahib received the least rain.
In Haryana, most districts reported showers, with Bhiwani (15 mm), Fatehabad (12 mm) and Kaithal (9.6 mm) receiving the highest rainfall.
J&K faces transport disruptions
Fresh snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir disrupted daily life and transport services.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Mughal Road and Sinthan Pass were closed due to snowfall and rainfall. The Mata Vaishno Devi yatra was suspended, and over 20 flights were cancelled, with no operations from Srinagar airport as the runway remained unsafe.
Railway officials said Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar continued to operate.
Strong winds also damaged power infrastructure across the Valley, affecting electricity supply in several areas. Restoration work is underway.
Authorities issued an avalanche warning for mountainous districts, and many educational institutions in the Jammu division remained closed.
Meanwhile, Ladakh’s Leh plains recorded light snowfall, while Kargil witnessed moderate snowfall.
