Himachal shivers under blanket of snow, Manali records heaviest snowfall

Himachal Pradesh has been painted white by a fresh wave of snowfall, with popular tourist destinations like Manali experiencing their heaviest snowfall of the season so far. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 30cm of fresh snow blanketing Manali, transforming the town into a winter wonderland.

Snowfall Roundup:

• Lahaul Spiti: Keylong, the district headquarters, received 15cm of snow, while higher reaches like Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass witnessed a staggering 120cm accumulation.
• Tourist Resorts: Kufri and Narkanda, known for their picturesque landscapes, were blanketed by 15cm and 30cm of snow, respectively, attracting both locals and tourists eager to embrace the winter magic.
• Chamba District: The snowfall wasn’t limited to the higher regions. Chamba district saw snow ranging from 10cm to 25cm, impacting areas like Bharmour, Saloni, and Chatarari.
• Kinnaur: Kalpa and Recongpeo received a decent 8cm of snow, while Pooh recorded 2cm.

Temperature Plunge and Weather Outlook:

Minimum temperatures across the state have dipped 3-4 degrees below normal, making Thursday the coldest night of the season so far. Keylong shivered at -15°C, Kaza at -18°C, and Manali at -6°C. Even popular tourist spots like Shimla, Narkanda, and Kufri recorded lows of -0.6°C and -6°C, respectively.

The IMD predicts a brief respite with mainly dry weather for the next 24 hours. However, brace yourselves for another round of snowfall and rain starting February 3rd onwards. Yellow weather alerts have been issued for most places on February 4th, with rain or snow expected in mid and high-altitude areas on February 3rd and 5th.

Response and Impact:

The state administration has launched snow clearance and power restoration efforts on a war footing. However, some areas in Shimla, Chamba, Lahaul Spiti, and Kullu districts remain snowbound, causing disruptions to transportation and power supply.

Despite the challenges, the snowfall has brought a unique winter experience to Himachal Pradesh. Locals and tourists are working together to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. If you’re planning a trip to the region in the coming days, stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions to make informed decisions.

Remember, the beauty of Himachal Pradesh lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the resilience and spirit of its people. So, bundle up, embrace the winter magic responsibly, and enjoy the unique experience this snowfall has brought!