Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 23: The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, was blanketed in fresh snow on Monday, turning the “Queen of Hills” into a stunning winter paradise. The much-anticipated snowfall brought delight to both locals and tourists, who flocked to scenic spots to witness the mesmerizing sight of snowflakes gently falling.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather in Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh is expected to remain dry for the next two days, with slight increases in temperature. However, the region is likely to experience another spell of snowfall on December 27 and 28, particularly in the higher altitudes, including Shimla.
Tourists Relish the Snowfall
Tourists from across India shared their excitement over experiencing the fresh snowfall. Khyati, a tourist from Bengaluru, expressed her amazement: “This is my first snowfall, and it’s magical! We didn’t expect it, but it happened today. Shimla is beautiful, and the people here are so kind. We’ll definitely visit again during the snowfall season.”
Palak, a tourist from Chandigarh, was pleasantly surprised by the snowfall. “We didn’t see snow at first and were returning disappointed, but witnessing the fresh snowfall has made this trip unforgettable. It’s one of the best trips of my life. Shimla is even more amazing with the snowfall!” she said.
Prachi, another tourist from Chandigarh, described it as a dream come true. “We didn’t expect the snowfall, but as soon as we were about to leave, it started. This fresh snowfall in Shimla made our trip worth it,” she shared.
Weather Update and Future Snowfall
IMD’s Senior Scientist Shobhit Katiyar informed that Shimla experienced light snowfall on December 23, with snowfall expected to continue for a few more hours. He also predicted a fresh round of snowfall after December 27, with moderate snowfall expected in the middle and high hills on December 28 due to a western disturbance.
“The temperature in Shimla dropped to 3.5°C, which is 2-3°C below normal. Temperatures are expected to remain low for the next four days, with Shimla’s temperature hovering between 3-5°C,” said Katiyar.
Cold Wave Impact and Precautions
The cold wave is affecting lower regions of Himachal Pradesh, including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and parts of Chamba, where temperatures are expected to remain low. An orange alert has been issued for Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur districts, advising locals and tourists to take necessary precautions.
Shimla’s snowfall has enhanced its reputation as a prime winter destination, attracting visitors eager to experience its scenic beauty. With more snow expected later this week, Shimla continues to be a popular spot for winter tourism.