The Western Himalayas welcomed an early winter as Gulmarg and key Himachal Pradesh destinations recorded their first snowfall of the season. The sudden snow has transformed the mountains into a stunning winter wonderland, bringing relief from recent warm spells and raising hopes for a busy tourist season.
Snowfall Across Popular Destinations
The first snow arrived on October 2, blanketing Gulmarg, while other high-altitude destinations like Sinthan Top, Rohtang Pass, and the Dhauladhar ranges also received fresh snow layers.
This early snowfall caused:
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Temperature drops across hill towns
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Intermittent rainfall and icy winds
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Temporary traffic disruptions, especially at Rohtang Pass
Meteorologists have predicted that a fresh Western Disturbance will impact the region through October 6, bringing light rain, moderate to heavy rainfall, and isolated snowfall in higher reaches.
Weather Impact on Himachal Towns
Hill towns across Himachal Pradesh, including Dharamsala, McLeodganj, Palampur, Kangra, Chamba, Dalhousie, and Bharmour, experienced a significant drop in minimum temperatures:
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Dharamsala: 16.5°C
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McLeodganj: 9.8°C
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Palampur: 11.5°C
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Kangra: 15.3°C
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Chamba: 16.8°C
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Dalhousie: 8.6°C
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Bharmour: 13°C
Dense morning fog added to the scenic beauty, attracting tourists and photographers eager to capture the snow-capped peaks.
Tourism and Local Response
The early snowfall has been welcomed by tourism operators, who anticipate a boost in winter visitors. Local residents described the sudden drop in temperature as a “welcome sign” of winter, providing relief from unseasonably warm weather in recent weeks.
Authorities have cautioned travelers about potential landslides, mudslides, and traffic disruptions on hilly highways due to heavy rains and snow.
Outlook for the Winter Season
While Western Disturbances usually intensify from November onwards, this early system gives a head start to the snow season, offering:
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Early winter adventure opportunities for tourists
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Scenic snow vistas
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Chilly winds and unique Himalayan charm
With fresh snow already covering slopes and more precipitation expected, the Himalayan hill stations are officially gearing up for a thriving winter tourist season, promising memorable experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
