Kufri, Narkanda, and Manali are experiencing their first snowfall after a four-month-long dry spell
Tourist destinations like Kufri, Narkanda, and Manali are experiencing their first snowfall after a four-month-long dry spell this winter season. Narkanda received five centimeters of snowfall this morning, with more expected. Dalhousie, Manali, and Kufri initially had light rain, which later turned into snow. Shimla and nearby areas experienced light rain in the morning. Overcast skies and moderate snowfall were reported in high-altitude regions.
The Indian Meteorological Department recorded rainfall in various places: Saloni (Chamba) received 25.2 mm, Manali 12 mm, Pandoh 5.5 mm, Sarahan (Shimla) seven mm, Rampur nine mm, Dalhousie 7 mm, Bhunter in Kullu 8.2 mm, and Seobagh 8.8 mm.
The Meteorological Office reported significant snowfall in different areas: Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti had 14 cm, Khadrala in Shimla 14 cm, Bharmaur in Chamba 8.6 cm, Sangla in Kinnaur 5 cm, Koksar 2.5 cm, Sumdho 4.8 cm, and Shilaroo five cm.
Traffic to Attal Tunnel Rohtang was closed due to fresh snowfall in Manali, with substantial snowfall recorded on the South and North portals of ATR.
High-altitude regions of Shimla, including Dodrakawar, Hatu, and Khadapather, experienced light to moderate snowfall after morning rain.
The unpredictable weather brought relief to apple growers facing a prolonged drought, as their orchards had suffered from dusty conditions and soil surface cracks.
Farmers awaiting rain in low-lying areas expressed concern about the delay in off-season sowing, impacting Rabi crops like Wheat, Mustard, and Gram, which were already devastated by the dry spell.
The delay in winter snowfall also affected apple growers, forcing them to wait before planting new trees and preparing orchard beds due to persistently dry weather.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for high-altitude regions, predicting rain and snowfall in the mid and high reaches, as well as foothills, for the next two days.
Minimum temperatures were recorded: Keylong near minus five degrees, Kaza minus seven, Kukumesri minus two, Kalpa minus 1.2, Narkanda minus 1.3, Manali 1.4, Kufri 0.3, Solan 4, Bhuntar airport 6.8, Mandi 6.6, Hamirpur 8.8, Dalhousie 1.2, Una 9.7, Shimla 2.4, Bilaspur 10, Jubberhati airport 5.5, Kangra 8.6, Dharmshala 5.4, and Nahan in Sirmour 7.
