Shimla: After nearly three months of dry cold weather, Shimla received the season’s first snowfall on Friday, bringing temperatures down sharply across the state capital and adjoining areas. Snowfall was also reported from higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including popular tourist destination Manali.
The local meteorological office has forecast heavy snowfall and rain in parts of the state. In view of the weather conditions, the Shimla district administration has advised people to avoid driving until the weather improves.
Officials said snowfall was continuing in higher areas of the district, including Chopal, leading to the closure of the Chopal–Deha road. Fresh snowfall covered Shimla and nearby regions in a white blanket, causing a significant drop in temperatures.
Popular locations such as the Ridge and Mall Road witnessed fresh snow, while vehicular movement was slowed on several routes as a precautionary measure. Tourists were seen enjoying the snowfall at the Ridge, with many stopping to capture the scenes.
Meanwhile, rain continued across parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, bringing relief from the prolonged dry cold spell in the region.
