SHIMLA: Shimla experienced its second light snowfall of the season on Monday, delighting tourists, residents, and farmers alike. Locals, dressed in woolen attire, ventured outdoors to enjoy the snowfall under cloudy skies, as icy winds swept through the area. At The Ridge and Mall Road, visitors were seen relishing the snowy conditions.
Heavy snowfall was recorded at popular tourist destinations like Kufri and Narkanda, as well as elevated regions such as Kharapathar, Chaurdhar and Chanshal, according to the weather official.
The regional meteorological office predicted precipitation in mid and higher elevations for Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
For apple growers in upper Shimla, the snowfall has increased prospects of a good harvest. The apple industry contributes approximately Rs 5,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh’s economy.
The snowfall is anticipated to increase visitor numbers, benefiting local tourism. Hotelier Sushant Nag indicated that hotel bookings are expected to increase due to the snow’s attraction.
In the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, a severe cold wave continued, affecting Una, Hamirpur, Chamba and Mandi, with Sundernagar experiencing particularly harsh conditions.
The meteorological office reported light fog in Mandi and Sundernagar regions.
On Monday, the department issued an orange alert for extreme cold conditions in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi districts until Thursday.
The weather station reported Tabo as the coldest location at minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, whilst Sumdo, Kusumseri and Kalpa recorded temperatures of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, minus 3.7 degrees Celsius and minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The weather station has issued a yellow warning for thick fog across parts of the Bakra Dam reservoir area and Balh valley in Mandi from Tuesday to Thursday.
The weather office reported that an active western disturbance is expected to impact the western Himalayan region and nearby plains starting Friday.
