Snowfall Fast-Tracks Winter in Himachal’s High Hills; Tourists Rush to Rohtang and Lahaul for First Snow of the Season
Shimla, October 5: Winter seems to have knocked early on Himachal’s high Himalayan doorsteps, as fresh snowfall whitened Rohtang Pass and the Chandra Valley in Lahaul on Sunday morning.
The unexpected spell not only thrilled tourists but also marked the season’s first major chill sweeping across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a fresh western disturbance has brought snow in the higher reaches and rain across mid and lower hills, fast-tracking the onset of winter vibes in the tourist belts.
“The Western Disturbance is active over Jammu and adjoining areas and will continue to affect north India for the next 24 hours,” the bulletin read.
While the high-altitude regions shivered under biting winds — Tabo in Spiti recorded a minimum of 3.1°C — the plains remained warm, with Paonta Sahib touching 37°C, the highest in the state.
The sharp contrast reflected the transition phase between autumn and winter in Himachal’s hill circuits.
Moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded at several stations, including Olinda (29 mm), Brahmani (26.4 mm), Dharamshala (25.5 mm), and Bilaspur (20.4 mm). Gusty winds up to 61 kmph were reported from Reckong Peo, while thunderstorm activity was observed in Shimla, Kufri, Sundernagar, and Kangra.
Tourists Delight, Farmers Cautious
The snowfall turned Rohtang and Lahaul into a white wonderland, drawing tourists from Manali and beyond.
“We came hoping for clear skies, but waking up to snowfall was magical,” said Riya Mehta, a tourist from Delhi, wrapped in thick woollens near Marhi.
Farmers, however, have been urged to stay alert. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds up to 60 kmph at isolated places on October 5 and 6.
Orchardists in mid and high hills have been advised to delay pesticide sprays and protect fruit crops from sudden cold and heavy moisture.
The weather is expected to clear gradually from Tuesday, though night temperatures are likely to dip further in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and upper Kullu.
The IMD has urged locals and travellers to keep track of real-time weather updates on mausam.imd.gov.in/shimla and @himachalmausam.
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