New Delhi: Heavy rains lash several parts of North India, while higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh are experiencing heavy snowfall. Met Department has predicted more rain and snowfall during the next 24 hours.

Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, the gateway to Lahaul Valley, received more than four inches of snowfall on Saturday. Following the snowfall, the Kunzum Pass was closed. Reports of fresh light snowfall at higher reaches of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti district have also been received as result mercury dipped two notches down at lower hills of the State.

The surrounding areas of Manali have been receiving heavy rainfall since Saturday morning. Leh-Manali Road has been closed for traffic for the next 48 hours. Authorities said, the step has been taken as a precautionary measure.

 According to weather advisory, Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive moderate to heavy rain or snow during the next 48 hours.  Moderate to heavy snow or rain is expected at few places in Ladakh region.

Rains lashed Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh yesterday, plummeting the maximum temperatures in the region by up to 11 degrees below the normal levels. According to agriculture experts, while the rainfall has done no damage to paddy crop, it had adverse effect on the cotton crop. 

The weatherman has forecast light to moderate rains at most places in Punjab and Haryana till Monday. Met Department has predicted widespread rains in North India.