Shimla, Dec 9,
Himachal Pradesh experienced a welcome change on Sunday as snowfall and rain finally arrived after a prolonged dry spell.
Popular tourist destinations like Shimla’s Ridge Maidan, Kufri, and Churdhar in Sirmaur witnessed the season’s first light snowfall.
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High-altitude regions, including Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, and Kunzum Pass in Lahaul-Spiti, were blanketed in fresh snow, enhancing the scenic beauty.
A cold wave swept across the state, causing temperatures to plummet significantly. Maximum temperatures dropped by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius across Himachal, while minimum temperatures in several locations approached freezing. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at a chilling -13.1°C.
Light drizzle also occurred in parts of Kullu and Bilaspur, adding to the wintry ambiance. However, the snowfall led to some disruptions. The Atal Tunnel and Sissu road became slippery, causing a traffic jam that stranded around 100 tourists. They were later rescued safely.
Authorities, including Lahaul-Spiti Superintendent of Police Mayank Chaudhary, urged travelers to check weather conditions before embarking on their journeys.
Chamba’s tribal regions experienced significant snowfall, with Sach Jot receiving up to 30 centimeters.
Nearby areas in Pangi region like Hudan Bhatori and Sural Bhatori reported 15 centimeters, while Kugati and Mani Mahesh in Bharmour received six centimeters.
The unexpected change brought relief to residents and tourists, rejuvenating the region’s beauty. However, authorities cautioned about the challenges posed by extreme cold and slippery roads in the coming days.
The Met office predicted light to moderate rain and snowfall in the afternoon, with partly cloudy skies. Clear skies were expected by evening. While the moderately polluted sky was likely to improve air quality, the amount of rain and snowfall was insufficient to provide significant relief to farmers and apple growers due to the prolonged dry spell and low soil moisture levels.
