Snow brings winter chill in Himachal,smile to farmers

The lowest temperature on Monday was recorded at Kalpa in Kinnaur at minus 1.06 degree Celsius,” he said.

Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti have been reporting snowfall since early morning and by afternoon the area recorded at least 5 inches of snow,said the Met department. The 13,050-feet Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass at 16,020 feet on the Manali-Leh highway also experienced snowfall today.

The minimum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 9.1 degree Celsius,8.1 degree in Sundernagar,6.1 degree in Bhuntar (Kullu)and 1.1 degree Celsius at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti.

It is still warm in lower areas like Una and Nahan where maximum temperature is around 21 degree and 14 degree Celsius.

Lekh Raj Chauhan,a horticulturist from the apple belt of Jubbal-Kotkhai,said setting in of the winter chill is beneficial for apple orchards,as the work for preparing orchards for the next season is almost at its peak.

Rain and snow have cheered up the horticulturalists and farmers,who after having faced productivity losses this year are praying for a good winter season for next year’s crop.

The tourism industry across the state is also cheerful,with tourists returning to Himachal,especially honeymoon couples after the wedding season of November.