Early winter wonder! Himachal receives snowfall 20 days early, tourists rejoice

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): Soon after the departure of monsoon, the high peaks of Himachal Pradesh have been covered with a white sheet of snow. Due to the activation of Western Disturbance, the first snowfall of this season was recorded in many parts of the state on Sunday (5 October), which is about 20 days before the usual time. While the temperature has dropped by up to 4 degrees Celsius due to this snowfall, the faces of tourists at tourist places have brightened up. The Meteorological Department has also issued an orange alert in many districts for today (Monday, 6 October).

On Sunday, the first snowfall of the season fell in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Solang Valley, and the Dhauladhar Hills. Tourists at the entrance of the Atal Tunnel in Manali thoroughly enjoyed the snowfall. As soon as news of the snowfall spread, people from lower areas also began flocking to the mountains. Snowfall in Himachal typically occurs in late October or early November, but this time the weather has already changed.

The Rohtang Pass has become increasingly slippery after the snowfall, prompting authorities to completely ban vehicular traffic. Police personnel have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of snowfall, rain, and hailstorms in the state on October 6th and 7th. An orange alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi today. Strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are also possible during this period. The maximum temperature in the state is expected to be around 30 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature around 14 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological Department, the state will remain cloudy until October 11th, although no further alert has been issued for the time being.