9.3.17

Rare March Snow in Himachal

Upper and mid mountain reaches of Himachal Pradesh have been receiving heavy snowfall since Tuesday morning, bringing down temperatures across the state. The widespread snowfall in March has come as a surprise for Himachalis, who had started packing their woollens after the February 21 snowfall, which was expected to be season's last.

Manali received 6 cm of snow overnight while the Solang slopes and Kothi received 45 cm and 60 cm, respectively. Keylong and Kalpa received 14 cm each, while Udaipur recorded 17 cm snow.Rain lashed the lower parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Snowfall has blocked the Kullu-Anni­-Shimla highway at Jalori Pass. Haripur Dhar in Sirmaur, the entire Pir Panjal range, most parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and upper reaches of Chamba and Kullu are experiencing good snowfall.

The day temperature in the state has decreased by an average of 3-4 degrees. Manali also received 42 mm of rain. Rain and snow was also reported from the high altitude areas of Shimla, including Kufri and Jubbal. For the past many years, there has been no major spell of snow in March in the state.

The weather has brought cheer among tourists and hoteliers, but fruit growers are a worried lot. 

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