Shimla gets first snowfall of season, four-month dry spell ends

Higher reaches of Kullu-Manali, Kangra and Chamba get heavy snowfall, bringing relief to apple farmers and the tourism sector; authorities issue travel advisory for Chopal.

Ending a four-month dry spell, Himachal Pradesh received widespread rain and snowfall, bringing a surge in tourism and vital relief for the state’s parched apple orchards, even as essential services faced significant disruptions on Friday.

Youngsters playing in the snow after building a snowman at the Ridge in Shimla on Friday morning. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

While state capital Shimla donned its first white blanket of the season, higher reaches across Chamba, Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts reported heavy snow accumulation.

Meteorological data showed Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at -4.2°C, while Neri in Hamirpur district registered the highest maximum temperature at 25.4°C.

People enjoying the snowfall after a long wait in Shimla on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Significant rainfall was reported from Bharwain (25mm), Amb (21mm), Aghar (17.6mm), Kandaghat (17mm), Pachhad (15.3mm) and Rajgarh (14mm).

Snowfall was recorded in several higher reaches with Kothi receiving 15cm, Gondla 12cm, Kukumseri 6.8cm, Jot 6cm, Saloni 5cm, Manali 4.8cm, Keylong 4cm, Kufri 4cm and Shimla 0.6cm.

Youngsters making the most of the fresh spell of snowfall in Shimla on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

The IMD also reported thunderstorms at isolated places, including Sundernagar, Kangra, Shimla, Murari Devi and Jubbarhatti.

Strong gusty winds were observed, with Narkanda recording wind speeds of up to 87 kmph, followed by Kufri (67 kmph), Seobagh (65 kmph) and Mashobra (59 kmph).

Tourists playing in the snow in Shimla on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Tourists make most of snowfall

The arrival of the snow triggered an influx of tourists, many of whom had been camping in the capital for days tracking weather forecasts. “We waited nearly a week just to experience this. The town looks stunning,” said Sanjay Kumar, a visitor from UP’s Saharanpur.

Another tourist, Vishal from Delhi, who has been staying in Shimla since January 18 after snowfall was predicted for January 23, said this was his first-ever snowfall experience. “I’m seeing snowfall for the first time in my life. We decided to stay back as snowfall was predicted today. This is one of the best moments of my life, and I am enjoying it a lot. Everyone should come here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jass, a tourist from Punjab, said he had originally planned to visit Manali for the snowfall but decided against it after the heavy snow forecast in Shimla. “We were planning to go to Manali for the snowfall, but now there is no need. Shimla has received very good snowfall. We are enjoying ourselves. It’s a wonderful experience,” he said.

Power outages in Shimla

However, the change in weather has come at a cost to infrastructure. Heavy snow and high-velocity winds—peaking at 87 kmph in Narkanda and 67 kmph in Kufri—triggered power outages in parts of Shimla district.

A tourist jumping in the air in excitement during the much-awaited snowfall in Shimla’s Ridge area on Friday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

The authorities were forced to shut the Deha-Chopal main road, and travel advisories have been issued for the upper reaches.

The IMD has predicted heavy rain or snow at isolated spots later today. “A fresh western disturbance is expected to hit the region on January 26,” an official said, warning that weather activity could intensify further.

Residents and travellers have been urged to exercise caution in wind-prone areas and high altitudes. (With ANI inputs)