Long awaited and much anticipated first snowfall of the winter season was recorded in Srinagar, Manali and Dalhousie. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh was lashed with sharp showers and the snowfall was observed over the high grounds of the district. Kufri and Narkanda, the visitor’s den, accumulated a fresh layer of soft snow. A sheet of white blanket has surrounded the entire Kashmir Valley and large parts of mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh, including Manali, Dalhousie, Kullu Valley, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba division. Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel have been stacked with piles of fresh snow.
The previous year, the first snowfall at these locations was witnessed on 29thDec 2022. With a delay of over one month though, there is a delight for all, including crops, orchards, farmers, water management, adventurers and tourists. The snow will add to the glaciers of the Valley and replenish the perennial reservoirs that feed the rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies during summer months. The wet spell helps increase the soil moisture and raise humidity levels, nourishing the seasonal crops, across the region. The widespread snowfall will facilitate ‘chilling hours’, essentially needed for the apple and other fruits.
Western disturbances are moving across the Western Himalayas in a sequence, nearly overlapping each other in the timeframe. The current weather system will move away in the next 24 hours and only a remnant effect will be seen tomorrow. The weather activity will be mild and limited to the higher reaches. However, another active western disturbance is approaching on 03rdFeb, following a similar track. Entire mountain ranges at all heights will witness another spell of snow and rain between the 03rd and 05thFeb, more so, on the first two days. A broad clearance is expected only from 07thFeb onwards.
