Shimla, Jan 7 (UNI) Heavy snowfall in the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh has disrupted normal life, leaving residents and tourists grappling with slippery roads and traffic jams.

Key districts like Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, and Shimla experienced significant snowfall, causing roads to become treacherous.

Hundreds of vehicles were stuck in traffic jams late into the night, stranding travellers and tourists in freezing conditions.

In the last 24 hrs, Pandoh in Mandi had 22 mm rain , Gohar: 15 mm, Banjar 12.2 mm, Karsog: 6.2 mm, Shimla 1.6 mm Bhuntar & Manali one mm and, Sarahan 0.3 mk

Kufri had 5 cm snowfall, Gondla in Lahaul Spiti 4 mm and Keylong one cm.

Due to Dense fog Visibility reduced to 50 m in Bilaspur, (Visibility 100 m) in Una and (Visibilit 100 m) Mandi. Shallow fog (Visibility 600 m) in Sundernagar.

The maximum temperature across the state has plummeted by 4°C in the past 24 hours, intensifying the cold wave. Una district recorded the highest maximum temperature of 23.4°C, while Keylong reported the lowest minimum temperature at -2.5°C.

Minimum temperature of Shimla was 4.2 degrees, Sundernagar 3.6, Bhuntar airport 1.6, Kalpa Minus three, Dharamshala 6.2, Una five Nahan 8.6, Palampur 2.2, Tourist resort Kufri and Manali minus 0.1, Kangra 4.7, Mandi 5.2, Bilaspur 6.5

Hamirpur 7.2, Dalhousie 3.6, Jubberhati airport 4.6, Marakanda minus 1.5

Traffic was particularly affected near the Atal Tunnel, where only four-by-four vehicles with snow chains were allowed.

The administration worked tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of stranded tourists, but the conditions posed significant challenges.

The weather department has forecast clear skies for the next four days, offering temporary relief. However, it has warned of possible changes from January 11, with light snowfall expected in high-altitude areas. Dense fog is also predicted for the plains on January 7 and 8, further complicating travel.

The fresh snowfall has had a cascading effect on daily life. Farmers and local businesses have faced delays, while tourists are enduring the dual challenge of breathtaking beauty and harsh cold. Temperatures are expected to drop by another 2-3°C in the coming days, increasing the intensity of the cold wave.

The administration has urged residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for continued cold weather. Meanwhile, the state continues to recover from this winter storm, bracing for potential future disruptions.

UNI ML ARN