Rain, snowfall led to a sharp drop in temperatures in J&K,Himachal

In Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, a fresh spell of rain and snowfall in various areas across has led to a sharp drop in temperatures. The constant rainfall in the plains and moderate snowfall in higher reaches brought back winter-like conditions, with several areas recording a noticeable decline in daytime temperatures. Reports said that  Mahu area in Ramban district in J&K, received several inches of fresh snow, and rainfall persisted in parts of Reasi. Snowfall was also recorded in higher reaches of Kishtwar, including Sinthan Top, Marwah and Wadwan prompting authorities to restrict vehicular movement towards these areas as a precautionary measure.
In Kashmir Valley, upper areas such as Pir Ki Gali in South Kashmir, Sonamarg in Central Kashmir and Gulmarg in North Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall while plains including Srinagar experienced continuous rainfall. The higher altitudes have been witnessing intermittent snowfall since last Sunday while most mountainous regions are covered with fresh snow.Meanwhile, the changing weather conditions are also attracting tourists to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other tourist destinations where visitor footfall is increasing following ongoing snowfall.

VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Kargil receives fresh snowfall resulting in drop in temperature in the region.

The Met department has forecast erratic weather in the Union Territory till March 20, with a possibility of intermittent light-to-moderate rain or snow at many places. It… pic.twitter.com/otys4TRFTq

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 19, 2026

Due to the active western disturbance in Himachal Pradesh, snowfall on higher peaks and intermittent rainfall in lower and plain areas have continued over the past 24 hours. This change in weather has led to a drop in temperatures, bringing back a noticeable chill. In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall has been continuing on the higher reaches of districts like Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and parts of Kullu, while light rainfall persists in other areas today as well. In view of heavy snowfall and adverse weather forecasts, the Lahaul-Spiti administration has, as a precautionary measure, closed vehicular movement through the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. In tribal districts, several interior roads have been blocked due to rain and snow, and efforts are underway to restore connectivity.

VIDEO | Fresh snowfall blankets several areas in Himachal Pradesh. Visuals from Lahaul Spiti. #Snowfall #WeatherUpdate

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/imCUQXLbTF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 19, 2026

The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an orange alert for the next 24 hours, warning of snowfall in higher areas and rain along with hailstorms in lower regions.