After a delay, Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh finally saw the season’s initial snowfall, attracting a surge of tourists eager to enjoy the snow-covered scenery and ending a three-month dry spell. The Meteorological Department confirmed that Shimla and its vicinity, including Kufri and Narkanda, experienced the first snowfall of the season. This snowfall has enhanced the picturesque charm of these tourist spots.
The news of the snowfall has drawn tourists to Shimla, renowned for its historic buildings from the British colonial era when it was the summer capital of India. Similarly, Manali, another popular tourist destination in the Kullu district, has also been blanketed in snow. Visitors, like Nidhi Gupta from Ludhiana, expressed gratitude for the snowy weather.
According to the Meteorological Office, the snow-covered landscape in Shimla is expected to last for a day or two. High-altitude regions in various districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Mandi, and Shimla, have been receiving moderate snowfall. The Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley and areas like Kalpa and Keylong have witnessed heavy snowfall.
Lower regions of the state, such as Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi, received rainfall, significantly lowering the temperature. The snowfall has brought relief to farmers and fruit growers who were facing challenges due to the prolonged dry spell over the past three months. Traffic movement beyond Dhalli, 10 km from Shimla, has been halted due to heavy snowfall, affecting areas like Kinnaur and towns in Shimla district.
The Meteorological Office has forecasted the continuation of a Western disturbance, bringing more rain and snow until Sunday. As a result, the minimum temperature is expected to drop by three to four notches after the skies clear.
