Shimla/Manali: Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Keylong in Kullu-Manali-Lahaul-Spiti, Narkanda, Kharapathar, Khirki, and Chharki in uphill Shimla area are experiencing fresh spell of snowfall, cheering up farmers and hoteliers and disrupting travel routes.
The picturesque Lahaul-Spiti Valley, including Atal Tunnel, and surrounding regions, is currently experiencing fresh spells of snowfall, said reports.
District administrations are on high alert, with emergency vehicles being allowed through Atal Rohtang Tunnel to Lahaul-Spiti, ensuring essential services are not disrupted.
However, the National Highway from Manali to Kelong remains open for traffic, albeit with caution urged due to slippery conditions.
Not only Atal Tunnel but also Narkanda, Kharapathar, Khirki-Chharki higher Choorhdhar, Moraal Danda, Sungri are witnessing snowfall, with reports of but roads remain open for traffic.
Inflow of tourists in Shimla and Manali remain low averaging from 15 to 20 percent. But fresh snowfall in higher areas will attract more tourists from across India in coming days.
The weather change has brought a fr
esh chill to Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla experiencing intermittent rains and lower temperatures.
Farmers in the region are relieved with the rains and snow, which is expected to benefit apple and other crops, while hoteliers anticipate an influx of tourists who come to see snowfall in Kufri, Narkanda and Kharapathar.
India Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal Pradesh has seen fluctuating weather conditions over the past 24 hours. The realized weather pattern indicates isolated occurrences across the state.
Notable changes include a marked rise in minimum temperatures, with average minimum temperatures appreciably above normal. However, maximum temperatures have seen no significant alteration, remaining above normal levels.
The lowest minimum temperature recorded stands at -2.4°C in Keylong, while Una witnessed the highest maximum temperature at 26.8°C. No instances of cold day or cold wave have been reported, and fog remains absent.
Regarding precipitation, stations like Manali and Palampur have recorded trace amounts of rainfall, while snowfall has been observed in Hansa (5.0 cm), Kukumseri (0.5 cm), and trace amounts in Keylong and Kufri.
Looking ahead, IMD forecasts varying weather conditions for the coming days.
Thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, heavy rainfall at isolated places, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph are expected on the horizon. These conditions are anticipated to persist for several days, urging caution among residents and travelers.
Western Disturbance, currently positioned over northeast Iran and adjoining Afghanistan, is likely to influence the Western Himalayan Region from the 5th of March onwards.
In terms of temperatures, the IMD records minimum and maximum temperatures across various stations in Himachal Pradesh. Notable mentions include a minimum temperature of -2.4°C in Keylong and a maximum temperature of 26.8°C in Una.
