Himachal Pradesh is facing its driest December ever, with the state recording a 100 per cent rainfall deficit so far this month. According to weather officials, no significant rain has been recorded across the state, raising serious concerns for farmers, apple growers, and the tourism industry. While light snowfall was reported in some higher reaches of the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, it was not enough to end the long dry spell.
People dependent on snowfall, especially farmers and orchardists, are anxiously waiting for better weather conditions. The lack of rain and snow has also affected daily life and seasonal activities in many parts of the hill state.
On Sunday, the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district received light snowfall. Areas such as Shinkula witnessed fresh snow, and videos of tourists enjoying the white landscape quickly went viral on social media. However, weather experts said that this snowfall was very limited and failed to make any real impact on the overall dry conditions in the region.
Most parts of Himachal Pradesh have not seen rain or snow for weeks. Meteorological data shows that December, which usually brings snowfall and rain, has remained unusually dry this year. Officials confirmed that the state has recorded zero rainfall, making it the driest December on record.
The lack of precipitation has also led to rising minimum temperatures, which is unusual for this time of the year. Normally, December nights are much colder, especially in the hill districts. This year, however, temperatures have remained higher than average, adding to the worries of farmers and horticulturists.
On Sunday, Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest place in the state, with a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. In contrast, Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, which was nearly 5 degrees above normal, making it the warmest night in the state.
Other areas also reported higher-than-usual night temperatures. Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded a minimum of 3.1 degrees Celsius, Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti saw 1.1 degrees Celsius, and Solan recorded 4.5 degrees Celsius. In most other weather stations, the minimum temperature stayed above 5 degrees Celsius.
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The continued dry spell has badly affected Rabi crop sowing across the state. Farmers have delayed planting crops such as wheat, barley, mustard, peas, and gram due to the lack of soil moisture. Without rain or snowfall, the land remains dry, making it difficult to begin sowing on time.
Experts have also warned that the rise in minimum temperatures could impact apple production. Apple trees require a certain number of cooling hours during winter to produce a good yield. If temperatures remain high and snowfall stays weak, the quality and quantity of apple crops may decline in the coming season.
The tourism industry is also feeling the pressure. Many popular winter destinations depend on snowfall to attract tourists during December and January. With limited snowfall so far, tourism stakeholders fear fewer visitors, which could affect local businesses and employment.
Meanwhile, the local meteorological department has issued a yellow warning for dense fog in some parts of the state. The warning is applicable from December 22 to December 25 for areas around the Bhakra Dam reservoir in Bilaspur, parts of Una district, and the Balh Valley in Mandi. Dense fog is expected during early morning, morning, and late night hours.
For the rest of the state, the weather department has predicted dry conditions until December 25. This means there is little chance of rainfall or snowfall in the coming days, extending the dry spell further.
While minimum temperatures have risen, maximum temperatures in some lower hill areas and plains have dropped slightly. In the Shivalik foothills, Una recorded a maximum temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius, which was five degrees below normal. Kalpa recorded a maximum of 17.3 degrees Celsius, which was above normal, while Shimla recorded a high of 13 degrees Celsius, also higher than usual.
Solan was the hottest place during the day, recording a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts say that if the dry conditions continue, the state could face serious challenges in agriculture, horticulture, and water availability. Farmers and residents are hoping for fresh western disturbances that could bring rain or snowfall and provide relief from the ongoing dry spell.
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