Lesser Himalayas, India:
The Lesser Himalayan region recorded its first snowfall of the season, ushering in winter conditions across large parts of northern India. Snowfall was reported in higher-altitude areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and adjoining Himalayan belts, while nearby lower regions experienced cold rain and a sudden drop in temperatures.
The fresh spell of snow, triggered by an active western disturbance, has altered weather patterns across the hills and plains, marking a clear seasonal shift.
Snowfall Reported Across Key Hill Regions
Early snowfall was observed in multiple Lesser Himalayan locations:
- Higher reaches of Uttarakhand, including Nainital, Mukteshwar, Dhanaulti, and surrounding forest zones
- Upper areas of Shimla, Kufri, and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh
- Select peripheral hill areas near the Pir Panjal range in Jammu & Kashmir
Snow accumulation occurred mainly above 2,000 metres, while foothill towns recorded chilly rain and dense morning fog.
Temperatures Fall Sharply After Snow Spell
Following the snowfall, temperatures dipped significantly across the region:
- Night temperatures in high-altitude areas dropped close to 0°C
- Day temperatures declined by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius in major hill stations
- Cold conditions intensified in adjoining plains of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR
Weather officials indicated that cold-wave conditions may develop if the system persists.
Travel Advisory Issued in Hill States
Authorities urged caution for travelers and local residents:
- Mountain roads turned slippery in snow-affected zones
- Traffic movement slowed on steep routes and forest stretches
- Tourists were advised to avoid night travel and carry winter essentials
Local administrations activated snow-clearing teams and emergency response units to prevent disruptions.
Early Snow Boosts Tourism Hopes
The season’s first snowfall has sparked renewed interest among tourists planning winter trips to popular hill destinations such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Shimla, and Manali. Hoteliers reported an increase in booking inquiries, particularly for late November and December.
Tourism officials expect a strong winter season if snowfall continues steadily.
Why This Snowfall Matters
Meteorologists note that early snowfall in the Lesser Himalayas plays a critical role in:
- Maintaining soil moisture for winter crops
- Recharging natural springs and water sources
- Supporting long-term river flow and water security
However, experts caution that climate variability can still influence snowfall distribution in the coming months.
What’s Next?
Weather models suggest intermittent snowfall and rainfall activity may continue in the higher Himalayas over the next few days, with further cooling likely in North India’s plains.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay alert and follow official weather updates.