Himachal Pradesh has received the season’s first snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Snow was reported in Kaza and the higher reaches, including Kunnu-Charang near the Tibet border, Chitkul and the Pooh subdivision.

The snowfall brought a sharp fall in temperatures. Maximum temperatures in Losar, Kaza, Tabo and Kalpa dropped by up to 10 to 11 degrees Celsius. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the state’s lowest minimum at 5.3 degrees Celsius.

Snowfall also covered Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, where about half a foot of snow accumulated near the shrine. Rain continued in the lower hills of both states.

The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain for Himachal through September 28, easing from September 29. The Char Dham Yatra was temporarily suspended amid the weather alerts.

For now, vehicles are moving normally in the snow-hit areas. But officials have warned that conditions at high mountain passes can change fast, and travellers should stay updated on weather advisories.