Shimla, Dec. 29 -- Tourist destinations across Himachal Pradesh are witnessing a heavy rush ahead of the New Year celebrations, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast snowfall and rain in many parts of the state over the next 48 hours due to a fresh western disturbance.

The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, on Monday said a fresh and active western disturbance is expected to affect Himachal Pradesh from December 30, with its impact likely to continue till the afternoon of January 2. Snowfall is expected in several popular tourist destinations, including Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu and the Rohtang region of Lahaul-Spiti on December 31 and January 1.

Speaking to ANI, Shobhit Katiyar,...