Shimla – Fresh snowfall was recorded last night at Shinkula Pass in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, with light snow also falling at Rohtang . Up to 2 centimeters of fresh snowfall was recorded at Shinkula. Tourists arriving in Manali from across the country are reaching Shinkula to frolic in the snow.
According to the Meteorological Center Shimla, a Western Disturbance is becoming active tonight. Due to this, light snowfall is likely on the higher peaks of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Kinnaur on December 20 and 21. There is a possibility of light drizzle in mid-altitude areas, while the weather will remain clear in the plains.
Temperature Surge Before Rain and Snowfall:
Before the rain and snowfall, a significant jump has been recorded in the night temperatures of Shimla and Kufri. Shimla’s minimum temperature has reached 12.2 degrees Celsius, which is 6.1 degrees above normal. Kufri’s temperature has also reached 10.3 degrees. Typically, in the third week of December, Shimla and Kufri’s night temperatures remain around the freezing point
Kalpa’s temperature is also running 4.8 degrees above normal, and Manali’s is 4.4 degrees above normal. However, the plains are experiencing cold in the mornings, evenings, and nights, as fog has been persisting in the lower areas for the past month. Due to this, nights in Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Sirmaur have become colder than Shimla.
Weather Forecast:
- December 20-21: Light snowfall expected on high peaks
- Mid-altitude areas: Light drizzle possible
- Plains: Clear weather expected
- A yellow alert for fog remains in place for the next two days, while clear weather is expected across the state between December 22 and 25
Impact of Fog:
Dense fog continues to disrupt daily life in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and parts of Mandi district, with visibility remaining poor during morning and evening hours, slowing vehicular movement
Tourism Impact:
Hoteliers in Shimla and other tourist destinations say the lack of early snowfall is beginning to impact winter tourism, as tourists associate Shimla with snow in winter, and when nights stay warm and snow is missing, bookings take a hit
