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Shimla received its first snowfall of the season (about 0.6 cm snowfall was recorded in some areas), leaving the capital covered in a blanket of snow and turning into a winter wonderland. Higher districts like Chamba, Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur received thick layers of snow, with places like Kothi (15 cm), Gondla (12 cm) and Manali (4.8 cm) recording heavy snowfall. This ended the drought, boosted tourism with enthusiastic footfalls to places like Shimla and Manali, and provided relief to apple orchards.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Banihal in Ramban district received the first heavy snowfall of the season, while the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple on the Trikuta hills was covered with fresh snow, leading to the yatra being temporarily halted due to slippery roads, low visibility and risk of landslides due to safety concerns (subsequent reports suggest that the yatra has partially resumed in some cases). Disruptions included road closures (e.g., Jammu-Srinagar Highway in the Banihal-Qazigund stretch), traffic jams, closure of schools in hilly areas, and challenges such as fuel shortage or slippery roads.

IMD confirmed through Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma that the Western Disturbance was active since late Thursday night (January 22), causing rain and snowfall. Another Western Disturbance is expected from January 26, which may bring more moderate to heavy rain and snow storms.

Reactions from tourists were similar: Tourists expressed joy, with a tourist from Saharanpur in Shimla saying he waited seven days for the first snowfall and describing the city as “beautiful”. Another tourist in Banihal had planned his trip for the snowfall and urged others to visit there too. Minor issue: The query mentions “four-month drought” (true for some areas) and widespread alerts, but the current impacts are due to the January 22-23 system, while the January 26 system is predicted.