IMD – Chances of Snowfall on New Year negligible in Shimla and Manali
Himachal Pradesh Western Disturbance (WD) is weakening. Due to this, the chances of snowfall on New Year have become negligible. According to the latest bulletin of Meteorological Center Shimla on Friday morning, light snowfall may occur at one-half of the higher altitude places of the state on December 30 itself. The rest will be sunny.
In the forecast three days ago, the Meteorological Department had predicted snowfall till December 30 and January 1 i.e. for 72 hours. But, now there has been a change in this. Meteorology. Center Shimla Director Dr. Surendra Pal said that there is no possibility of snowfall due to the weakening of WD. He said that there is no possibility of snowfall in the mountains till 8-10 January.
However, during the last 24 hours, the temperature of most cities has dropped by two to three degrees. The minimum temperature of Dalhousie has decreased the most by 2.5 degrees and the temperature of Shimla has decreased by 2.4 degrees. The mercury in Shimla has now fallen to 5 degrees and that of Dalhousie to 5.5 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, the minimum temperature of Kalpa is still 4 degrees Celsius more than normal. Usually, the temperature of Kalpa remains in minus in the last week of December, but it was recorded at 1 degree.
This is a dangerous sign for the state’s tourism industry, the apple industry worth more than Rs 5500 crore, and agriculture. Snowfall acts as a lifeline for tourism, horticulture, and agriculture. No snowfall means a loss worth crores.
Himachal has already suffered huge devastation due to record-breaking drought and rain in winter last year. Now this year’s winter did not start well.
Thousands of tourists from all over the country are reaching the mountains to see snow. Especially the weather department’s forecast three to four days in advance had given tourists hope of snowfall on the New Year.
Usually, in the last week of December, the high peaks of Shimla, Manali, Mandi, Dharamshala, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul Spiti districts are covered with snow. But this year, except for a few areas of Lahaul Spiti, there is no snow anywhere.
This is the reason why this time most of the tourists are reaching Sissu, Kokkar, and Rohtang of Lahaul Spiti to see snow. But, there is very little snow left there too. The snow is melting rapidly due to the daily sunshine.
If there is no snowfall, the glaciers will not be able to recharge. Along with Himachal, it will affect Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, because the agriculture of these states depends on the water flowing from Himachal. During summer the water in the rivers comes from the melting of glacier
