Early Winter Signals: Rain & Snowfall Bring Temperature Down Across Northern Regions

SHIMLA/CHANDIGARH: Recent spells of snowfall in higher elevations and rain in lower regions across Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand have caused a sharp drop in temperatures, hinting at an early arrival of winter. The meteorological department released this update on Monday.

The Meteorological Department reported morning snowfall in Churdhar Parbatmala of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass, Jalori Pass in Kullu, and Hatu Peak and Chanshal in Shimla. Apart from Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Mandi highlands, the tribal-majority districts of Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur also witnessed light snowfall. Officials noted that the first snow of the season fell at Rohtang's Atal Tunnel and Manali's Mardi, leading to a halt in vehicular traffic at Manali's Solang. Shimla Meteorological Department Director Surinder Pal predicted continued rain until Tuesday, with the possibility of light snowfall in higher areas of Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi. The Meteorological Department also issued a 'yellow alert,' warning of heavy rain on Monday. The effects of the western disturbance are expected to persist until Tuesday, with a shift to dry weather anticipated from Wednesday.

The shift in weather, marked by light snowfall in Kashmir's upper reaches and rain in the plains, has prompted residents to don warmer clothing. This change commenced on October 14, characterized by intermittent rain and snowfall in various areas, accompanied by strong winds and thunder in some places. The trend initiated on Monday is projected to continue into Tuesday. 

Notably, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, also experienced rainfall on Monday, resulting in a slight dip in temperature. The Meteorological Department predicted widespread rain across both states, highlighting heavy rain in Chandigarh that reduced visibility due to dark clouds in the morning.