Munish Sood
MANDI
Koksar, in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, received the first snowfall of December on Wednesday, bringing a clear winter chill to the valley. Tourists visiting the area enjoyed the snowfall, played in the snow and clicked photos amid the white landscape.
Snow has now started falling off and on not only on the high mountain peaks but also in some lower areas, showing that winter has truly begun in the region. The fresh snow in Koksar attracted many tourists, leading to a rise in traffic on roads towards Lahaul.
Snowfall from Rohtang to Baralacha
Fresh snowfall was also reported on Tuesday in the Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul valley, including Triloknath and nearby villages. Rohtang Pass, Shinkula Pass, Baralacha Pass and Kunzum Pass also witnessed snowfall. Due to an active western disturbance, weather conditions have changed across Lahaul valley and other parts of Himachal Pradesh.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain and snowfall from December 31 to January 2 in eight districts — Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu and Chamba. On Wednesday, cloudy skies and snowfall were seen in Shimla, Solan, Mandi and nearby areas, increasing chances of rain and snow.
The expected rain and snowfall are likely to lower temperatures and bring relief from the long dry spell. Many areas had been recording higher-than-normal temperatures due to lack of rain. The new weather system is expected to break the 81-day dry spell just before the New Year.
Rain and snow forecast
The weather department said light rain and snowfall are likely in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Mandi and Kinnaur on December 31 and January 1. Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur may see scattered rain.
On January 2, light snowfall is expected in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla, while other districts may remain clear. Minimum temperatures may fall by 3-4 degrees Celsius after rain and snowfall.
Winter tourism is gaining pace in Manali, with over 600 tourist vehicles arriving daily from neighbouring states. Snowfall in Koksar has also attracted many visitors, boosting local tourism activities and businesses.
New Year snow delights tourists
Snowfall was recorded in several high-altitude areas, including Spiti, on December 31, covering the region in a white blanket. Hotels across tourist destinations in Himachal are nearly full as visitors arrive to enjoy New Year snowfall. The snow is expected to benefit both tourism and farming.
Himachal Pradesh faced a severe dry spell this December. Between December 1 and 30, the state recorded only 0.2 mm rainfall against the normal 36.2 mm, a shortfall of 99%. Lahaul-Spiti received just 0.7 mm rain during this period. In contrast, last December recorded 49.1 mm rainfall, which was above normal.
The Meteorological Department has warned that light to moderate snowfall in high areas and rain in lower regions may lead to a cold wave. Mornings and evenings are expected to be especially cold in the coming days.
