Koksar Welcomes December Snowfall, Boosting Winter Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
First Snowfall of December in Koksar
Munish Sood
MANDI
Koksar, located in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, experienced its initial snowfall of December on Wednesday, ushering in a distinct winter chill across the valley. Tourists flocked to the area to revel in the snow, engaging in playful activities and capturing photographs against the stunning white backdrop.
Snowfall Across the Region
Snowfall has begun to occur intermittently, not just on the towering mountain peaks but also in lower elevations, signaling the true onset of winter in the region. The fresh snow in Koksar has drawn numerous tourists, resulting in increased traffic on the roads leading to Lahaul.
Weather Changes and Alerts
Snowfall from Rohtang to Baralacha
On Tuesday, fresh snowfall was also reported in the Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul valley, affecting Triloknath and surrounding villages. Notable snowfall was recorded at Rohtang Pass, Shinkula Pass, Baralacha Pass, and Kunzum Pass. An active western disturbance has altered weather patterns across Lahaul valley and other regions of Himachal Pradesh.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain and snowfall from December 31 to January 2 across eight districts: Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba. On Wednesday, cloudy skies accompanied by snowfall were observed in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and nearby areas, raising the likelihood of rain and snow.
Impact of Upcoming Weather
The anticipated rain and snowfall are expected to lower temperatures and provide relief from the prolonged dry spell. Many regions had been experiencing above-normal temperatures due to insufficient rainfall. This new weather system is projected to end an 81-day dry period just in time for the New Year.
Forecast for Rain and Snow
Rain and snow forecast
The weather department predicts light rain and snowfall in Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Mandi, and Kinnaur on December 31 and January 1. Scattered rain may occur in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Sirmaur.
On January 2, light snowfall is anticipated in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla, while other districts may remain clear. Minimum temperatures could drop by 3-4 degrees Celsius following the rain and snowfall.
Tourism Thrives Amid Snow
Winter tourism is on the rise in Manali, with over 600 tourist vehicles arriving daily from neighboring states. The snowfall in Koksar has also attracted many visitors, enhancing local tourism and business activities.
New Year Celebrations in Snow
New Year snow delights tourists
Several high-altitude areas, including Spiti, recorded snowfall on December 31, blanketing the region in white. Hotels in popular tourist destinations across Himachal are nearly fully booked as visitors come to enjoy the New Year snowfall. This snow is expected to benefit both tourism and agriculture.
Dry Spell and Weather Warnings
Himachal Pradesh has endured a significant dry spell this December, with only 0.2 mm of rainfall recorded from December 1 to 30, compared to the normal 36.2 mm, marking a 99% shortfall. Lahaul-Spiti received a mere 0.7 mm of rain during this timeframe, while last December saw 49.1 mm of rainfall, which was above average.
The Meteorological Department has cautioned that light to moderate snowfall in higher elevations and rain in lower areas may lead to a cold wave, with particularly chilly mornings and evenings expected in the coming days.