Himachal Pradesh: Shimla receives first snow of the season, more expected

Meanwhile, the plains experienced light to moderate rainfall along with strong winds, intensifying the chill.

Much to the delight of tourists, Shimla received the season’s first snowfall on Sunday night ahead of the New Year bringing cheer to residents and hoteliers.

As per the latest weather updates, 6-7 inches of snow has been recorded in Kharapathar, Sungri and Khadrala. Kufri and Khidki experienced 4 inches of snow each, and Narkanda 2 inches. Rohru also received 1-2 inches of snow.(Deepak Sansta/HT Photo)

The MeT Centre Shimla has forecast rain and snow on Monday.

“Light snowfall is very likely to continue in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and hither reaches of Chamba, Kangra and Mandi,” said Shimla MeT Centre director Manmohan Singh.

Kufri, 14 kilometres away from Shimla has received 30cm snowfall, Dalhousie 22cm, Manali 14cm, Shimla 9cm, Jubbar Hatti 4cm, Khadrala Khada Pathar and Sungri have received 7cm snow each, while Narkanda and Rohru recorded 2cm snowfall each. Apart from this, Palampur received 16mm of rain, Nahan 14.6mm, Solan 13.8mm, Bilaspur 13.5mm, Chamba 13mm, Kangra 12.8mm, Una 9.8mm, Mandi 8.4mm and Dharamshala 2.6mm.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla said that roads in upper areas of the districts including Kharapathar, Narkanda, Fagu, Khidki and Chambi were blocked due to snowfall.

“Roads in the Dhalli, Mashobra, Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazar, Navbahar and Chhota Shimla suburbs of Shimla town are slippery. People should plan their visit accordingly,” he said.

Around a dozen roads in Chopal sub-division have also been blocked.

People walk around in Shimla’s first snow of the season. (Deepak Sansta/HT Photo)

Atal Tunnel, National Highway 305 have also been blocked for vehicular traffic due to fresh snowfall in Solang valley and in Jalori Pass. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kullu Gaurav Singh has advised people to not to venture into these areas

Meanwhile, the plains experienced light to moderate rainfall along with strong winds, intensifying the chill.

In Chamba, Dalhousie and the upper reaches, including Bharmaur and Pangi, also experienced snowfall.

The MeT office has predicted clear weather on Tuesday but warned of thick ground frost and intense cold wave in the lower hills from December 29 to 31, causing damage to crops.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla said that roads in upper areas of the districts including Kharapathar, Narkanda, Fagu, Khidki and Chambi were blocked due to snowfall. (Deepak Sansta/HT Photo)

Shimla shivered at minus 1.1°C while minimum temperature in Kufri reached -2.4°C. Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie recorded minimum temperatures of 0.2°C, 1.4°C and -3.4°C respectively.

Minimum temperature in Una was recorded at 2.8°C, 0.7°C in Solan, 3°C in Bilaspur, 2.8°C in Hamirpur, 7.9°C in Nahan, 3.2°C in Mandi and minus 3.1°C in Kalpa, Kinnaur district.

Keylong, the headquarters of tribal district Lahaul and Spiti, is the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of -6.7°C.