Season's first snowfall in hills

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 15 Dec 2018, Darjeeling: Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal located near Darjeeling at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet, on Friday received this winter's first snowfall.

Tiger Hill and Ghoom also experienced light hailstones in the afternoon. Temperatures plummeted across the hills with Darjeeling recording 6 degrees Celsius at 5pm. The day's highest temperature was 10 degree Celsius, at 11.15am.

Kala Gurung, a resident of Sandakphu, said: "It started snowing from 2pm. However, the area did not experience heavy snowfall. Not much of snow has accumulated. This is the season's first snowfall in the areaWhile snowfall is common in Sandakphu during winter, Darjeeling town, situated at around 6,400ft, had last experienced snowfall on January 26, 2008.

On Thursday, however, residents could not enjoy much as the snow was washed off in a drizzle.

"I remember playing with snow in the town on February 14, 2007. The snowfall was heavy and had stayed for a couple of days," said Rajesh Thapa, a resident.

Tiger Hill, which is at a higher elevation of 8,100 feet, had last experienced snowfall on January 11, 2012. Tiger Hill is a 45-minute drive from Darjeeling town.