SHIMLA: The Ridge and The Mall in Shimla are buzzing with excitement as snowflakes begin to tease the dreamy-eyed tourists.

Pre-Christmas revellers are soaking in the frosty vibes, envisioning a magical White Christmas and a snow-laden Shimla Winter Carnival.

Meanwhile the Shimla Kufri Narkanda Highway has closed due to snowfall in the afternoon. The vehicles including HRTC buses have got stuck at Kufri due to the slippery road. 

Fresh snowfall has disrupted traffic on several routes in the district, creating challenges for commuters and locals.

The Deha-Chandi-Khidki-Chopal road witnessed delays, particularly at Jharki and Okhtadhar, where  two inch of snow has been reported.

Similar conditions were observed on the Phagu-Kufri stretch, where slippery roads have slowed down vehicles. The famous ski resort of Narkanda received 1-2 inches of snow, as reported by locals, further adding to traffic woes.

While traffic continues to move intermittently on these routes, the snow has created tough  driving conditions.

Meanwhile, the roads in Shimla city remain open, as the snowfall here has been minimal and has not disrupted vehicular movement.

 However, commuters are advised to proceed cautiously due to slippery patches on certain stretches.

Shimla Municipal Corporation and local administration have spruced up the The Mall and The Ridge for the Carnival. 

The Railways are now running Holiday Special trains on the Kalka-Shimla UNSECO heritage tack to facilitate the tourists.  

The Queen of Hills is all set to embrace the season’s chill, and the mood is electric.

Snow-Capped Highlights:
Snow has already started gracing popular spots like Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda, Kharapathar, Khirki, and Chopal, wrapping them in a pristine white blanket.

With the weather packed and snow continuing to fall steadily, traffic movement in these areas has come to a standstill, adding to the winter spectacle but also creating challenges for travelers.

What's Brewing in the Next 2 Hours?

• Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra: Light rain and snow are on the cards.
• Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti Highlands: A delicate dusting of snow is likely in these serene heights.

The Past 24 Hours in a Nutshell:

• Weather: Mostly dry with a quiet nip in the air.
• Temperatures: Holding steady, with a few spots shivering 2-3°C below normal.
• Extremes:
  • Coldest: Tabo plunged to a bone-chilling -10.2°C.
  • Warmest: Hamirpur sunned itself at 24.1°C.

Foggy Corners:

• Mandi & Sundernagar: Shallow fog slicing visibility to 600m.
• Bhakra Dam & Balh Valley: Dense fog creeping in, especially during mornings and nights.

Chill Watch:
A severe cold wave is gearing up for the low hills and plains over the next three days.

• Sundernagar: 1.7°C
• Una: 2.4°C
• Hamirpur: 3.3°C
• Chamba: 3.3°C

Tourist Hotspots Update:

• Shimla: A brisk 3.4°C—perfect for strolling The Mall in scarves and mittens.
• Manali: Touched 1.8°C, with snow flirting on the horizon.
• Dharamshala: At 4.5°C, a little warmer but still cuddle-weather.

Looking Ahead:
A fresh Western Disturbance is en route, promising heavier snowfall by December 27.

The Ridge Magic:
The Ridge is turning postcard-perfect, with horse rides and steaming cups of coffee adding to the festive cheer. Groups are busy snapping selfies against the backdrop of Christ Church, with hopes pinned on a heavier snow spell in the next two hours.

Meanwhile, Kufri’s snowy roads and Fagu’s frost-laden pines are becoming tourist magnets, while the higher reaches of Narkanda, Kharapathar, and Chopal offer surreal vistas of untouched white expanses. For those venturing out, caution is advised as snowbound roads remain challenging.

Travelers’ Tip: Layer up in woolens, keep tabs on weather updates, and revel in the frosty magic responsibly. Shimla and its snowy neighbors are calling, and the hills are ready to make your holiday dreams come true!