New Delhi, Dec. 10 – Heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand has intensified cold conditions in the mountains and plains, causing widespread disruption. Roads in several areas remain blocked, with 87 routes shut in Himachal Pradesh. Snow-related incidents have claimed three lives—two in Himachal, including a Delhi tourist, and one in Jammu and Kashmir.
The snowfall has led to cold wave conditions across northern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further chills in northwest India over the next four to five days. In Delhi, the minimum temperature rose slightly on Monday, but the maximum temperature dropped by 2°C. Winds at speeds of 8-12 kmph in Delhi-NCR are expected to exacerbate the cold over the next three days.
Snowfall Impact in the Region
The western Himalayan region, including areas like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Dudhpathri in Jammu and Kashmir, received up to 6.7 cm of snow on Monday. Key roads, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, Bandipora-Gurez, and Kupwara-Tangdhar routes, remain closed. Leh recorded a bone-chilling minimum temperature of -12.8°C.
In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall in Kufri and Lahaul disrupted life. The Atal Tunnel Rohtang has been closed to tourists, with only emergency vehicles permitted. While traffic was restored in upper Shimla by afternoon, connectivity to Manali and Lahaul remains affected. The state’s meteorological department has forecast clear weather from Tuesday, offering some respite.
Residents across the region brace for harsher conditions as authorities work to restore connectivity and services.