#WATCH | Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall at the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel near Rohtang Pass. Visuals show tourists enjoying the moment. pic.twitter.com/bSIDsaN0uA
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
According to the India Meteorological Department, isolated higher areas of the Lahaul and Spiti district witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall, while the lower hills received intermittent rain. Snowfall was reported in Jispa, Darcha and Shinkula, with Hansa recording 2.5 cm of snow. Videos of the snowfall have circulated widely on social media.
Several places recorded rainfall, including Bharmaur (12 mm), Gondla (6.2 mm), Keylong (4 mm), Bhuntar and Dharamshala (2 mm each), Kukumseri and Kangra (1.3 mm each), Jot (1 mm) and Kalpa (0.4 mm), according to the Shimla Meteorological Centre.
The snowfall and rain in March have brought relief to residents and tourism stakeholders in Manali and Lahaul and Spiti, who expect an influx of visitors as parts of the plains continue to experience a heat wave. Locals said the return of colder conditions in the mountains could encourage more tourists to head to the hills.
Snowfall in the higher reaches also led to a noticeable fall in maximum temperatures across the valley, bringing a chill back to Manali and surrounding areas. In contrast, dry weather persisted in the plains, with severe heat wave conditions reported in Sundernagar and Solan, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning affected Kangra and Jot.
The Shimla Meteorological Station has issued a yellow alert for heat wave to severe heat wave conditions in Mandi and Solan districts for Friday and Saturday (March 13-14). Another yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 km/h across Chamba, Kullu, Kangra and Mandi on Sunday and Monday (March 15-16) as a fresh western disturbance approaches northwest India from March 14.
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Light rain and snowfall are expected in isolated areas on March 13, 14 and 17, with more widespread precipitation forecast around March 15.
Despite the recent weather activity, Himachal Pradesh recorded only 0.8 mm of rainfall between March 1-12 against a normal of 45.2 mm, marking a deficit of 98%. Keylong recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 1.6°C, while Una remained the hottest in the state at 32.6°C.
ALSO READ | Rajkot records highest temperature at 41.6°C; IMD warns of above-normal heat, rains in Himalayas
