Himachal Pradesh has been witnessing frequent spells of snowfall with extremely bone - chilling conditions this winter and weather experts describe this as a natural phenomenon after a long break.
Another spell of snowfall is expected with chances of widespread rain in the state from February 5 - 8, India Meteorological Department Director Manmohan Singh said on Sunday.
"In January and February, on an average five western disturbances are normally active in the Himalayan region each month.
After a long gap, we are seeing the occurrence of western disturbances in the state one after another this time and their occurrence is also timely, " Singh told IANS.
Western disturbance is a meteorological term for a storm system emanating from the Mediterranean Sea which causes rain or snowfall in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
Last winter a drought - like situation prevailed in the state, badly impacting the state's Rs 7, 000 - crore fruit economy, mainly apples, and also tourism as snow draws more tourists.
Apple orchards usually need low chill in December and January.
Old timers recalled that for almost two decades Shimla has not recorded the kind of heavy snow that used to paralyse life in winter for over a fortnight in the past.
"Continuous decrease in snow cover has already been observed over the last two decades.