Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Post-monsoon snowfall indicates early winter in HP, Keylong shivers at minus 2.3 deg
Shimla, Oct 18
After a fortnight of departure of the South West Monsoon, major peaks soaring above 3000 meters have been cloaked in early snowfall, signaling the arrival of an early winter season in the state.
According to the Meteorological Office, high-altitude areas in Dalhousie, Kullu-Manali, Lahaul Spiti, and Kangra experienced significant snowfall until recently, but it has been mainly dry today.
Also October snow at places like Jalori pass, Hatu peak, Chrudhar, areas of Kinnaur, make the aliam more evident that winters are approaching early this season.
The inclement weather is expected to subside from today, providing relief from the freezing cold wave in the high-altitude regions.
The Shimla Meteorological Office reports that the night temperature in Keylong (the headquarters of Lahaul Spiti) dropped to -2.3 degrees, down from -0.7 degrees yesterday. Shimla was nine degrees, which is around two degrees below the normal temperature.
Tourist destination Dalhousie received approximately 80 mm of rainfall over the last two days and a significant amount of snowfall in the higher areas, attracting tourists and snow enthusiasts from the plains.
The majestic Dhauladhar ranges of Kangra and Bara-bengal also witnessed a couple of spells of snowfall. The Manali-Leh NH-3 has been snowbound for the last three days.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), all hills above 3000 meters, including Koksar, have experienced snowfall in the last 24 hours.
The Shimla Meteorological Office reports that the highest Hatu peak and Khadrala in Shimla district have received fresh snowfall in the last two days, a rare occurrence in the early post-monsoon or autumn season.
Minimum temperatures have remained below freezing in the high-altitude areas, including the 13050 ft high Rohtang Pass, the gateway to the Lahaul valley, and the 14500 ft Kunzum, the gateway to the Spiti valley, which received a foot of fresh snowfall.
The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts an improvement in the weather conditions over the next 24 hours. However, people are advised to wear warm winter clothing and stay close to the fireplace to combat the cold wave.
In rural areas, people are busy cutting grass to stock up for the winter and the upcoming rainy season. They are also clearing their farms to sow Rabi crops, but wet conditions in the mid and high hills have forced them to suspend their daily chores.
Tourists and local commuters have been warned by the district administration of Lahaul Spiti that the Manali-Leh, Manali-Sarchu, and Darcha-Shinkula roads are snowbound.
The administration had to withdraw its police check post from Sarchu on September 16 due to the early arrival of winter, and the Darcha check post is still operational, but drivers are advised to avoid slippery snow-covered roads in the freezing cold.
Mandi LS Parliamentarian and Congress state chief Pratibha Singh have urged the state government and the center to ensure early stocking of fuel, winter foods, and medical supplies in tribal areas of Chamba, Lahaul Spiti, and Kinnaur, as many connecting roads have become unfit to maintain stocks for the season.
The state’s hospitality industry, which was affected by unprecedented monsoon rains and devastation, is expected to see a revival with the festival season and the Navratra pooja festival, attracting tourists and devotees from neighboring states.
Shimla, Manali, and Dharmshala administrations may face challenges in managing traffic congestion due to the expected increase in tourists, as the National Highway, bridges, and major roads have not been fully restored to their capacity.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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