Light Snow dots high hills as dry spell aids early Rabi sowing in Himachal
AI generated Image. Used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Oct 23,
The season’s first light snowflakes have begun to brush the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, even as the rest of the state basks under a welcome dry spell that is proving a boon for farmers gearing up for Rabi sowing.
Fresh snowfall was reported from the lofty slopes of Lahaul–Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu districts on Wednesday, marking a gentle but definite shift toward winter. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla confirmed traces of snow at Gondla in Lahaul–Spiti, while light rain was recorded at Jot (6.0 mm, Chamba), Kothi (3.0 mm, Kullu), and Seobagh (0.6 mm, Kullu). Shimla city, too, saw a faint drizzle that left its iconic ridges glistening in the cold light of dawn.
Elsewhere, the day remained bright and dry, with temperatures showing little variation from Tuesday. The mercury dipped to 0.3°C at Kukumseri — the coldest spot in the state — while Una recorded a balmy 33.5°C, the highest maximum temperature, underscoring the wide thermal range that defines Himachal’s varied terrain. Minimum temperatures remained 2–4°C above normal across most stations.
At 8:30 a.m. Thursday, the Met office recorded Shimla at 11.5°C, Dharamshala at 11.8°C, and Manali at 7.2°C, while the tribal valleys of Kukumseri (0.3°C) and Tabo (2.5°C) woke up under a thin layer of frost. Kalpa, nestled in Kinnaur, shivered at 5.2°C.
According to weather scientists, a Western Disturbance continues to linger north of latitude 28°N, with another fresh system likely to approach the western Himalayan region around October 27. This may bring a renewed spell of rain and snow to the higher mountains toward the weekend.
For farmers, however, the dry days between these two systems have been nothing short of a blessing. After a long and erratic monsoon, the clear skies and mild sunshine are allowing them to plough fields and begin early sowing of Rabi crops like wheat, barley, mustard, peas, and gram.
“The soil still holds good moisture from the retreating monsoon, and the current weather is ideal for germination,” an agriculture officer said. “Farmers are taking advantage of the window to complete field preparation before the next western disturbance arrives.”
The absence of severe weather warnings has also brought relief to hill residents and tourists alike. The Met department has forecast generally dry and sunny conditions to prevail across Himachal Pradesh till the end of the week — perfect for fieldwork in the lower hills and snow watching in the upper reaches, as the state stands poised at the doorstep of winter.
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