Himachal weather today: Temp drops by up to 10 degrees Celsius after fresh snow-rain, apple orchardists fear damage to crop

TNR Desk

Due to snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and rain in the lower parts, the maximum temperature has dropped by 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, causing a resurgence of cold weather. This has led to concerns among farmers and orchardists, especially apple growers as the fruit is at flowering stage.

In Kullu district, the thunderstorm caused damage to plum, apricot and peach crops while in other areas such as Ujhi, Banjar, Gushaini and Sojha, branches of fruit trees have been broken. The drop in temperature and increase in cold weather are disrupting the flowering in apple orchards, a process that requires clear weather for optimal bloom. The low temperature is also affecting the pollination process, potentially leading to poor apple setting and reduced production in the upcoming season.

The wheat crops, ripe for harvesting in the fields, may sustain damage from the thunderstorms, exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers as the harvest time approaches. The Rohtang Pass experienced 3 inches of snow on Sunday, with continuous snowfall throughout the day in Shinkula and Baralacha.

Snow was also experienced in both entrances of Atal Tunnel at Rohtang. The highest recorded rainfall in the state has been 15 mm in Manali, 9 mm in Bilaspur and 3 to 5 mm in other areas. Significant drop of over 10 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures has been recorded in eight places across the state. Additionally, 116 roads, including three national highways, are closed in the state.

The Meteorological Department has forecast snowfall in higher elevations, accompanied by hailstorms and rain in the next 48 hours. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued for the storms, which are expected to move at a speed of 40 km per hour.