As predicted by the State Meteorological Centre, the Joshimath area saw rain in the lower altitude areas with proper snowfall in the higher altitude area of Auli on Friday. The snowfall has spread cheer among the locals here also in view of the winter carnival planned here from February 12 and the national junior skiing championship also slated to be held at Auli.
After an anxious period of waiting especially for farmers facing the threat of loss from crop damage due to delay in snowfall and rain, Friday morning saw the weather taking a turn in the mountainous regions of the State. Areas situated in comparatively lower altitudes received rain while the higher reaches experienced snowfall. The snowfall and rains have led to a sharp rise in the chill factor especially in the mountainous regions. The snow sports destination Auli near Joshimath also received proper snowfall with upto seven inches of snow falling here by afternoon.
The snowfall continued till the afternoon in Auli while the rain too continued in Joshimath till afternoon. Observers point out that if this trend of snowfall continues for some days, it will result in considerably good condition for the winter carnival and the national junior skiing championship slated to be held soon in February. In case the lower altitude areas also receive snowfall in the coming days, it will also prove beneficial for farmers and cultivators eagerly awaiting proper snowfall and dip in the level of mercury necessary especially for cultivation of horticulture products like apple.
It is pertinent to mention here that though there had been a few spells of snowfall at Auli, in general the delay in snowfall and rains especially in the mountainous regions had become a cause of concern especially for farmers and those involved in various tourism and snow sports activities held here.