October 7, 2025 : An unexpected spell of early snowfall in the hills and continuous rainfall across the northern plains has disrupted life in several parts of North India this week. From Himachal Pradesh’s snow-covered peaks to waterlogged fields in Punjab and Haryana, the unusual weather pattern has raised serious concerns among residents and the farming community.
Early Snowfall in the Hills
The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir have reported early snowfall, nearly two weeks ahead of the usual seasonal schedule. Tourist spots like Manali, Kufri, and Narkanda woke up to snow-covered roads and icy winds.
While tourists celebrated the unexpected winter scenery, local authorities were quick to issue travel advisories due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Traffic restrictions have been imposed on several routes to avoid accidents, and emergency teams are on standby in hilly regions.
Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attribute this to an active western disturbance, which has brought moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean region. The IMD also warned that cold wave conditions may develop sooner than expected this year.
Punjab and Haryana: Farmers Face Rain Shock
In the plains, the story is far more worrying. Heavy rain and strong winds across Punjab and Haryana have affected thousands of farmers just as they were preparing for harvest.
According to early estimates from the agriculture department:
- Paddy and cotton crops in several districts, including Ludhiana, Moga, and Bathinda, have suffered partial damage.
- Waterlogging in low-lying fields may delay harvesting and reduce yield quality.
- Some horticulture crops like potatoes and vegetables could also be affected if wet conditions persist.
Farmers say the rain came at the wrong time, catching them off-guard.
“The grains had just ripened. A week’s delay in harvesting because of rain means big losses,” said Harjit Singh, a farmer from Patiala.
IMD Forecast and Warnings
The IMD has forecast that the rainfall will continue for another 24–48 hours in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. Snowfall in higher altitudes of Himachal and Uttarakhand is also likely to continue through midweek.
Key warnings include:
- Orange alert for heavy rain in Punjab and Haryana.
- Yellow alert for low-lying districts due to potential flooding.
- Temperature drop expected by 4–6°C across North India once the system moves eastward.
Officials have urged residents and farmers to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and secure livestock and stored grain from excess moisture.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy rainfall and cold winds have disrupted daily life across major northern cities:
- Delhi NCR: Rain brought relief from pollution but caused traffic snarls and minor flooding.
- Chandigarh & Ludhiana: Reports of power outages and school closures due to waterlogging.
- Shimla & Manali: Hotels reported full occupancy from tourists hoping to see early snow, though travel disruptions tempered the excitement.
Transport services, including trains and buses, have been delayed, and flights from hill airports such as Kullu-Manali have faced intermittent cancellations.
Agricultural Experts Weigh In
Experts warn that such unseasonal rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to shifting climate patterns.
Dr. R.K. Mehta, a climate scientist at Punjab Agricultural University, said:
“Early snow and untimely rain indicate changing weather cycles. Farmers need timely updates, better drainage systems, and crop insurance support to minimize losses.”
He added that introducing more climate-resilient crop varieties and modern forecasting tools can help reduce future risks.
Government Response
The Punjab government has directed district officials to assess crop damage and prepare compensation reports. Relief teams have been deployed to check for flooding and distribute aid to affected areas.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann tweeted that the government is “closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all possible help reaches the farming community.”
In Himachal Pradesh, local administrations have advised tourists to travel cautiously and avoid high-altitude routes during snowfall hours.
Broader Weather Pattern
The IMD has noted that India’s winter season is arriving earlier than usual, driven by global climatic changes. Meteorologists are observing erratic monsoon withdrawals, increased western disturbances, and temperature fluctuations across northern states.
If this pattern continues, experts say it could have a long-term effect on India’s agricultural calendar, possibly requiring changes in sowing and harvesting timelines.
Conclusion
The early onset of snow and untimely rain has created a mixed picture across North India—beautiful for tourists but deeply troubling for farmers. As the government works on damage assessment and relief measures, experts stress the importance of improved forecasting, climate adaptation, and infrastructure to protect the region’s agriculture and economy in the future.
Summary
Early snowfall and excessive rain hit North India, delighting tourists but damaging crops in Punjab and Haryana. IMD warns of cold waves and urges precaution as farmers face losses.