Snowfall likely today, orange alert issued

Another spell of snowfall is just round the corner in the state. The weather department has issued an orange alert for light to moderate snowfall/rainfall, along with a few heavy spells, over many parts of the high and adjoining mid hills from tomorrow till December 29. Besides, cold to severely cold day conditions will prevail at many places till December 29. A few spells of snowfall is “very likely” over most tourist destinations across the state, including Shimla, on tomorrow and day after.

If the forecast comes true, Shimla and adjoining places will receive the third spell of snowfall in December. And it will be only the second time in the past 10 years that the city will get snowfall thrice in December – Shimla had seen three spells of snowfall in December 2014. Ever since, the snowfall in December has been on the decline, so much so that the past three Decembers went completely dry.

The forecast will make happy the stakeholders of the tourism sector, who are already delighted with the pre-Christmas snowfall. The December 23 snowfall led to a huge rise in tourist footfall in the state for Christmas, and another snowfall will lead to good tourist rush for New Year as well across all tourist destinations in the state. Besides, it’s a delightful news for apple growers, for whom the December snowfall is very useful.

On the flip side, the maximum temperatures are likely to fall by 6°C to 8°C over the next three days, triggering cold wave conditions at many places in the state. Besides, travel will become tough in the snowbound areas with roads getting blocked or slippery. There will be poor visibility at many places. The department has advised people to drive carefully and limit outdoor activities during the coming three days.

The precipitation is likely to continue in December as well. In the forecast up to January 9, the weather department says light to moderate rainfall/snowfall is “very likely” over most parts on some days.