Heavy to moderate rainfall lashed the hill State in middle and lower hills on Tuesday much to the respite of farmers and apple growers.
There are also reports of modest snowfall in the higher reaches including the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. More than two feet of snow was recorded on the Churdhar (12000 ft.) mountain in Chopal area of anterior Shimla district. The Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district and Kalpa in Kinnaur also received a fair amount of snow according to the Metrological Department.
The rainfall was quite widespread and 36 mm of rain was recorded in Dharamsala along with 35 mm in Theog near Shimla and 10 mm in the main capital town.
Meteorological Office in charge Manmohan Singh attributed the fresh spell of rain or snow to Western disturbance that is approaching the western Himalayan region. He said due to the western disturbance rain or snow would likely to occur in the next few days.
There was a fall of two to three degrees in temperature in the entire State on Tuesday, he said. State capital Shimla remained under the canopy of thick clouds in the afternoon.
With the fall in temperature the apple farmers were cheerful on Tuesday as the chilling requirements in their orchards would be complete now.
