Lingering Dry Spell & Intensifying Coldwave Grips Himachal

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns over the persistence of a prolonged dry spell gripping the North Western Himalayan region. Predictions indicate that the bone-chilling coldwave, coupled with foggy and partly cloudy conditions, may endure for the next couple of weeks. Additionally, the looming threat of two Western Disturbances (WDs) is expected to exacerbate these weather patterns, leading to freezing temperatures and reduced visibility.

IMD emphasizes that relief from the dry spell and wilting coldwave is unlikely in the coming two weeks, as precipitation in the form of rain or snow is projected to remain deficient and below normal. The intensification of the coldwave is anticipated, with the Mercury expected to hover near freezing points. The impact may be heightened by the influence of a Western disturbance, contributing to partly cloudy skies, dense fog, and frosty conditions.

Furthermore, another set of WDs is poised to become active, further extending the dry spell and intensifying the coldwave starting from January 27. This will lead to an increase in foggy, icy, frosty, and dusty sky conditions, resulting in a further reduction in visibility. Cloudy conditions may not bring the expected relief, especially in tourist places like Shimla, Manali and Kufri where isolated and scattered places may experience limited rain and snow.

The repercussions of this prolonged dry spell and harsh weather conditions are evident across various sectors. Orchards, off-season vegetables, and Rabi crops, along with the hospitality industry, are bearing the brunt. All activities have come to a standstill due to the unchanging dry spell and persistently low moisture levels, compelling farmers to anxiously await favorable conditions in the hills.

The impact on tourism is conspicuous, as deserted streets in tourist resort towns of Shimla and Manali lack the usual influx of visitors. Local residents are scarcely visible in marketplaces, painting a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle. Milching animals face extreme challenges due to the cold and drought conditions, exacerbated by the unavailability of fodder and green foliage.

Temperature records from the Met Office highlight the severity of the situation. In tribal areas, the Mercury has plummeted to several degrees below freezing point, ranging from minus ten to minus 15 degrees at locations such as Keylong and Kaza. Manali recorded temperatures near minus two degrees, Narkanda at minus 1.4 degrees, and Mandi and Sundernagar at minus 0.4 degrees. Bhuntar airport, Solan, and Una reported temperatures at zero degrees.

In the prominent hill stations, the minimum temperatures were recorded as 3.4 degrees in Shimla, 1.4 degrees in Kufri, and four degrees in Jubberhati airport. Other regions experienced varying degrees of cold, with Kangra at 3.8 degrees, Dharmshala at 5.8 degrees, and Nahan at eight degrees. The harsh winter conditions persist, posing challenges to the residents, farmers, and the overall livelihood of the region.