Shimla and Manali record unusual January minimum temperatures
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Jan 3,
Shimla and Manali experienced their second-highest January minimum temperatures on January 3, 2025, continuing a trend of unusual weather patterns. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 11.5°C, the highest since January 24, 2009, when the city registered an all-time high of 12.7°C. Similarly, Manali’s minimum temperature reached 7.1°C, just short of its January 25, 2009 record of 7.5°C. These temperatures have been documented by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for data recorded since 2001.
Also, Shimla city on January 3, recorded the highest maximum temperature for the month of January 21.6 degree Celsius. Previous highest maximum temperature (21.4 degree Celsius) was recorded on 30th Jan 2006.
The unexpected warmth follows an equally unusual weather event in December 2024, when Shimla and Kalpa recorded their second-highest maximum temperatures for the month. On December 16, Shimla logged a maximum of 21.0°C, nearing the December 2017 record of 21.3°C. Kalpa similarly recorded 18.9°C, just shy of its all-time high of 19.0°C, set in 1991.
The IMD has attributed these events to climatic anomalies, even has forecasted harsher winter conditions in the coming days. Light rain and snow are expected in isolated areas, with significant snowfall anticipated on January 6, 2025.
As colder weather approaches, the state is bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures too. Daytime highs are expected to decrease by 4–5°C, while nighttime lows may fall by 3–4°C. These fluctuations underline the stark contrast between the current warm spell and the impending cold wave.
Such patterns of unseasonably high temperatures in winter months raise concerns about broader climatic shifts and their potential implications for Himalayan ecosystems and livelihoods.
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