Breaking all previous records, Himachal Pradesh experiences summer snow
Shimla, June 2
In an unprecedented turn of events, the months of May and June in 2023 have made history by shattering previous records for rain, temperature, and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh.
The Met Office reports that the high reaches of Shimla and the 13,000 ft (4,550 meters) Chanshal peak received approximately two feet of fresh snowfall during the night of June 1 and 2.
The state is currently in the grip of an unprecedented cold wave, forcing people to don warm clothing to combat the cold.
Reports from other high reaches also indicate that light to moderate snowfall occurred in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts.
The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) issued a special weather report for the months of May, stating that the minimum temperature and rainfall have broken all previous records.
Also read Historic May rainfall in H.P driven by six western disturbances
According to an IMD spokesperson, Solan and Kangra have recorded the highest monthly rainfall in May, with 157.3mm and 189.8mm respectively.
Similarly, Dharamshala has recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 8.4°C. Furthermore, Shimla and Bhuntar have recorded the highest rainfall in the past 30 years.
Today, the minimum temperature in Shimla was 9.9°C and 6.4°C below normal. Bhuntar airport recorded 13.5°C, Kalpa 5.6°C, Dharamshala 14.2°C, Una 16.2°C, Nahan 16.9°C, Keylong 3.7°C, Solan 14°C, Kangra 16.7°C, Mandi 15.5°C, Bilaspur and Hamirpur 15°C, Chamba 17°C, and Dalhousie 9°C. Jubberhatti airport recorded 13°C, Kufri 6.7°C, and Narkanda 5.2°C.
The Shimla summer festival was affected by incessant rainfall as inclement weather conditions continue to prevail in the town. The maximum temperature in Shimla was 18°C, which is 8 to 9 degrees below normal.
The continuous rainfall has helped alleviate water shortage in the state, as all water sources and rivers are flowing at normal levels.
The wet weather, ample water discharge, and ongoing rainfall due to the Western disturbance have also assisted farmers by eliminating the need for irrigation, effectively ending the summer water shortage.
There is sufficient soil moisture for early sowing of Kharif crops in the state, allowing for a month-early planting. However, incidents of fungal and viral diseases have increased in off-season vegetables and ripening pome and stone fruits.
The Met Office forecasts rain and snowfall in isolated places in the high reaches, with moderate showers expected in many areas of the middle hills and a few places in the foothills.
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