Shimla, Dec 29:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a spell of rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh around the New Year, even as dense fog and cold wave conditions are likely to grip several parts of the state over the next few days.
Hoteliers in Shimla say business has already picked up, with hotel occupancy witnessing a sharp surge ahead of the New Year as tourists arrive in anticipation of snowfall.
The forecast has also cheered the farming community, with apple growers expressing optimism that the expected rain and snow will bring timely chilling hours and much-needed soil moisture, effectively ending a nearly three-month-long dry spell and improving prospects for the next apple season.
According to the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the state recorded dry weather during the past 24 hours, but temperatures at many stations remained above normal, signalling a delayed intensification of winter conditions.
The IMD said a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region, bringing light rain or snowfall at isolated places on December 30 and January 2, while December 31 and January 1 may see light to moderate rain and snow at many locations, especially in mid and high hill districts.
In mid hill and high hills lie Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Manali and Atal Tunnel and higher reaches include Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
Weather officials warned that night temperatures are likely to fall sharply after the next 48 hours, dropping by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius across large parts of the state. Day temperatures are also expected to decline significantly in early January.
The IMD has also issued a warning for dense to very dense fog over isolated pockets of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur, particularly during late night and early morning hours, which may affect road visibility and traffic movement.
In addition, cold day and cold wave conditions are likely over isolated areas of Shimla, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts between December 31 and January 2, the IMD said, advising people to take adequate precautions against the cold.
Residents and travellers have been urged to drive cautiously in fog-prone areas, avoid prolonged exposure to cold, and ensure proper care of elderly people, children and livestock during the cold wave period.
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