Shimla and its nearby regions, Kufri and Fagu, were blanketed in snow last night, marking the season's first snowfall and turning the area into a picturesque winter landscape. Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, along with Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dham, also experienced their first snowfall of the season, delighting residents and tourists alike.

Early Snowfall in Himachal

The snowfall in Shimla is especially notable for its early arrival, the earliest in over two decades, according to locals. “This is the first time I’ve seen snowfall in early December,” said Ganesh Sud, a longtime resident of Shimla, echoing the sentiment of many. His daughter, Radhika, also expressed her excitement, calling it a unique experience.

The snowfall has enhanced the charm of Himachal Pradesh’s hill stations, with snow-covered trees and mountains creating picture-perfect views for visitors. However, the slippery roads have made travel challenging, and authorities have advised caution, particularly in snowbound areas.

Uttarakhand and Kashmir Welcome Snow

In Uttarakhand, regions like Chakrata and the Dhams of Gangotri and Yamunotri received their first snowfall, bringing joy to local hoteliers and farmers. The snow is expected to attract tourists during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, providing a boost to the local economy. Farmers are also optimistic about improved agricultural output due to the snowfall.

In Kashmir, Gulmarg’s fresh snow has sparked hopes for a better winter tourism season after a dry winter last year. Travel agents, such as Shoaib Ahmad, are already noticing increased interest from tourists. “Today’s snowfall in Gulmarg is definitely going to boost tourist arrivals this winter,” he said.

However, the snowfall has also brought challenges, with slippery roads causing disruptions. Key routes, including the Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh Road, and Bandipora-Gurez Road, have been closed to traffic due to heavy snow accumulation. Vehicles heading to Gulmarg are being allowed only if equipped with non-skid chains on their tires.

Colder Days Ahead

The snowy conditions have also intensified cold weather in Himachal’s Lahaul and Spiti districts, with intermittent snowfall continuing in the higher reaches. The Meteorological Department predicts rain and moderate snow across various districts, including Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla, and Kullu, in the coming days. Light rainfall is expected in Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Hamirpur until Monday.

Temperatures are expected to drop further, with the minimum and maximum readings likely to fall by 3 to 4 degrees over the next three days. A yellow warning has also been issued for dense fog in some areas, particularly near the Bhakra Dam reservoir and Mandi’s Balh Valley.

With snowfall transforming these regions into winter havens, locals and tourists alike are embracing the season, even as authorities work to ensure safety on the icy roads.