First Snowfall of the Season witnessed by Shimla, Manali and other parts of Himachal Pradesh

 The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Manali, and Kufri, received their first snowfall of the season on Sunday, marking the onset of winter and delighting residents and tourists alike.

The fresh layer of snow turned the picturesque hill stations into dreamy winter landscapes, drawing travellers eager to experience the magic of the season. As per metrological department, the state will receive more snow and rains. 

Most parts of Lahaul Spiti district, including Jispa, Koksar, Keylong, Gondhla and Sissu was carpeted by snow on Sunday afternoon. In addition to this Manali, Shimla and Kufri received season’s first snow, it also snowed in Churdhar in Sirmaur district. High mountain passes like the Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel witnessed the same scenes. 

However, the snowfall has also posed challenges. Roads in some areas were blocked due to heavy accumulation, causing temporary disruptions in traffic. With the increasing influx of tourists in Lahaul Spiti and Kullu districts, an advisory cautioning against driving in the snow has been issued by the Lahaul Spiti police. 

Light snowfall was also recorded in the higher reaches of Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla districts including the Pangi valley in Chamba. According to metrological department the maximum and minimum temperature recorded across the state was below normal. Tabo in Lahaul Spiti with -13.1 degrees Celsius as the lowest minimum temperature was the coldest in Himachal Pradesh. 

The Meteorological Department has forecasted moderate to light rain and snowfall across few places over Lahaul Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla and Kullu district on December 9. There is a possibility of snowfall and light rain at isolated places in mid and high hills of the state on December 10 as well. Dense fog will prevail in the reservoir area of Bhakra dam in Bilaspur as per predictions of the weather department.