The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla, also known as the Queen of Hills, received the first snowfall of the season on Thursday (January 1, 2024), breaking cheers to the residents and tourism stakeholders alike. Though it had been raining intermittently in Shimla since last night and even a hailstorm turned the landscape white, snow flakes started falling in the afternoon.
Manali, the picturesque tourist haven in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, is draped in a thick layer of snow with over 15 inches of snow recorded till noon, as per the report of the State Emergency Operations Centre.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall across seven districts of the state, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. The entire state has been witnessing snowfall in its high mountains and rain in the plains for the past 35 hours. This precipitation has brought relief to the region.
According to meteorological data, until January 30, the state experienced a staggering 99.3 per cent deficit in rainfall and snowfall. However, the recent spell has mitigated this deficit by 93 per cent. January’s rainfall stood at a mere 7 per cent of the normal average, marking the lowest in 17 years.
The Meteorological Department predicts continued heavy snowfall across high peaks in Shimla, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi and Kangra districts. Authorities have urged locals and tourists to avoid venturing into higher areas due to hazardous road conditions.
Surendra Pal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, forecasts heavy snowfall throughout the day, with clearer weather expected on February 2. Further precipitation is anticipated on February 3 and 4. The snowfall and rainfall have brought relief to farmers, orchardists and tourism businesses.
Following is the snowfall data of various places in the state:
Location: Snow
Dalhousie 4 inches
Bharmour 2 inches
Pangi 10 inches
Bhattiyat 10 inches
Bara Bhangal 12 inches
Triund 4 inches
Kalpa 5.2 inches
Chitkul 5 inches
Sangla 5 inches
Pooh 2 inches
Nichar 2 inches
Jalori Jot 7 inches
Manali 1.5 inches
Udaipur 10 inches
Keylong 4 inches
Kaza 2 inches
Thunag 1 inch
Kamru Naag 1.5 feet
Thunag 3 inches
Fagu 2 inches
Chail 2 inches
Chanshal 1.5 feet
Sungri 12 inches
Narkanda 6 inches
