J&K, Himachal Shivers As Snowfall Disrupts Daily Life — IN PICS

Snowfall and rainfall disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of northern India, adding to the region's winter chill. (Image Source: PTI Images)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall (more than 122% of the long-period average) in February for seven meteorological subdivisions in north India, following a drier-than-usual December and January. (Image Source: PTI Images)

In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall, the first of the year, led to the closure of 134 roads, including four national highways, disrupting normal life. (Image Source: PTI Images)

Shimla district recorded about 15 cm of snow in higher reaches, causing a significant drop in day temperatures. (Image Source: PTI Images)

The tribal areas and high reaches of Himachal Pradesh continued to experience moderate to heavy snowfall on Thursday, bringing joy to residents, tourists, and farmers. Shimla, covered in a thin blanket of snow, attracted crowds to popular spots like the Mall Road and Ridge. (Image Source: PTI Images)

The local Meteorological (MeT) office issued an orange warning for heavy snow and rains in five districts—Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti—on January 31 and February 1. (Image Source: PTI Images)

In Jammu and Kashmir, higher reaches received fresh snowfall, while plains experienced rain. Tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam saw light to moderate snowfall. The local MeT issued an avalanche warning for six districts. (Image Source: PTI Images)

The 40-day harsh winter period, known as 'Chilla-i-Kalan,' ended on Tuesday in the region, with most of it remaining dry despite light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches. (Image Source: PTI Images)

Uttarakhand's MeT department issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms in hilly areas for the next 24 hours. (Image Source: PTI Images)

Looking ahead, the IMD's February forecast predicts normal to above-normal rainfall in northeast and central India, below-normal rainfall in south peninsular India, and above-normal minimum temperatures across most of the country. (Image Source: PTI Images)