Himachal Pradesh braces for prolonged coldwave and dry spell
Shimla, Jan 26
In a challenging turn, the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh in India is gearing up for an extended period of freezing temperatures and arid conditions in the weeks ahead. The looming threat includes two Western Disturbances that are poised to escalate the ongoing coldwave, causing foggy mornings and partly cloudy skies. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern alert, cautioning residents about an unyielding dry spell, an intense coldwave with frosty mornings, and severely reduced visibility across the Northwestern Himalayan region.
Exacerbating drought conditions
The persisting dry spell shows no signs of relenting, with forecasts predicting below-normal rainfall and snowfall for the next fortnight. This lack of precipitation is anticipated to worsen existing drought conditions, intensifying the biting coldwave with temperatures hovering near freezing.
Western disturbances intensify the chill
Compounding the chilly conditions, a Western Disturbance is anticipated to bring partly cloudy skies, foggy conditions, and icy mornings starting from January 27th. This further amplifies the dry spell and coldwave, significantly reducing visibility due to heavy fog, frost, and dust.
Scant hope in scattered clouds
Scattered cloudy patches offer minimal hope for the much-needed rain and snowfall, leaving popular tourist destinations largely deserted. Both tourists and locals are opting to stay indoors to escape the harsh conditions.
Agriculture and livestock struggle
The dry spell and lack of moisture are taking a toll on agriculture and livestock. Orchards, off-season vegetables, and Rabi crops are severely impacted, while farmers anxiously await rainfall to resume their crucial tasks. Milching animals face difficulty finding food due to the dry landscape, compounding their vulnerability to the extreme cold.
Frigid temperatures grip the region
Temperatures have plummeted below freezing in tribal areas, with Keylong and Kaza experiencing highs of -10 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius. In other regions, Manali recorded a low of -2 degrees Celsius, Narkanda -1.4 degrees Celsius, and Mandi and Sundernagar -0.4 degrees Celsius. Bhuntar airport, Solan, and Una also witnessed temperatures drop to around 0 degrees Celsius.
Even popular tourist havens like Shimla, Kufri, and Jubberhati airport recorded lows of 3.4 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees Celsius, and 4 degrees Celsius respectively. Other towns like Kangra and Dharmshala saw minimum temperatures of 3.8 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius respectively.
Himachal Pradesh prepares for a challenging period
As Himachal Pradesh braces for a prolonged period of frosty mornings, misty landscapes, and frigid temperatures, the impact on tourism and agriculture is evident. The state’s residents and authorities must display resilience and preparedness during this challenging period.
A time for resilience and preparedness
Farmers require support to mitigate the impact of the dry spell on their crops and livestock. Tourists and locals alike need to exercise caution when venturing outdoors due to reduced visibility and icy conditions. The state government is expected to play a crucial role in providing aid and implementing measures to cope with the harsh weather conditions.
This chilling episode serves as a reminder of the impact of climate change and underscores the importance of sustainable practices. As Himachal Pradesh navigates this coldwave and dry spell, proactive strategies to mitigate the effects of future extreme weather events become paramount. With collective efforts and a focus on preparedness, Himachal Pradesh can weather this chilly storm and emerge stronger and more resilient.
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