Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA: Dreams of a White Christmas have largely melted away across Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, with the state continuing to reel under a prolonged dry spell.
After light snowfall was reported at a few high-altitude locations on December 21, the weather has remained largely clear, extending a rain- and snow-deficit phase that has persisted for nearly two months.
While a couple of isolated higher reaches did witness light snowfall, the mid-hill regions and lower hills, including the plains, continue to face dry conditions. The absence of widespread precipitation has left farmers and orchardists increasingly worried as soil moisture levels have been drastically dropping and water sources are showing signs of stress.
Rain, snow likely only at higher reaches
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has indicated a possible change in weather conditions towards the end of the year. According to the forecast, light rain and snowfall may occur in higher hill areas on December 28 and 29. However, mid-hill and lower regions are expected to remain dry, meaning residents there may have to wait longer for relief.
The department has also stated that from December 28 to 30, a few places in the higher reaches could see very light precipitation, while the rest of the week is likely to remain clear. No significant change in maximum and minimum temperatures is expected over the next three to four days.
Minimum temperatures recorded across the state reflect the growing chill, with Kukumseri emerging as the coldest at minus 6.2°C, followed by Kalpa at minus 0.6°C and Tabo at minus 4.7°C. Shimla recorded a minimum of 6.5°C, while Manali stood at 2.3°C. As many as 13 locations in the state reported minimum temperatures below 5°C.
Dense fog alert for lower hills and plains
Even as snowfall remains elusive, cold conditions have intensified, particularly in the lower hills and plains. The Met office has issued an orange alert for dense to very dense fog from December 24 to 28 during morning and late-night hours. Districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur are likely to be affected.
Bilaspur, especially areas around the Bhakra Dam reservoir, and the Balh valley of Mandi district are expected to witness persistent fog during morning and evening hours. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, as reduced visibility could disrupt traffic and daily life.
Dry spell hits agriculture and horticulture
The prolonged dry weather is taking a toll on agriculture, horticulture and tourism. After limited rain and snowfall in October, Himachal received almost no precipitation in November, with December continuing the dry trend. Farmers are struggling to sow rabi crops such as wheat and peas due to lack of moisture, while crops already sown without rainfall are showing signs of damage, particularly in areas without irrigation facilities.
Horticulture and tourism sectors are also feeling the impact, as the absence of snowfall has dampened winter tourist footfall and raised concerns about chilling hours required for apple orchards.
With sunshine prevailing across Shimla and other parts of the state on Wednesday, all eyes are now on the last week of December, as residents hope New Year may finally bring some snow to the mountains.
