Shimla, January 16:
After a series of botched predictions over the past weeks, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday once again raised hopes of light snow and rain at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh.
Farmers across the state, reeling under a drought-like situation for nearly three months, are eagerly waiting for wet spells to revive crops and orchards.
According to the IMD’s latest weather bulletin, the state witnessed completely dry weather during the past 24 hours. No rainfall or snowfall was recorded at any station. Fog, ground frost and cold day conditions were also absent.
Minimum temperatures remained largely unchanged at most places and stayed near normal. However, a few stations recorded temperatures 2 to 3 degrees below normal, while some high hill areas reported temperatures 4 to 5 degrees above normal. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest place in the state at minus 5.2 degrees Celsius.
Day temperatures, on the other hand, were above normal by 2 to 5 degrees at most stations. Solan recorded the highest maximum temperature at 23.5 degrees Celsius, highlighting unusually warm conditions for mid-January.
The IMD said cold wave conditions prevailed at a few places. Severe cold wave was recorded at Berthin, while cold wave conditions were observed in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi districts.
Fresh western disturbance expected
IMD scientists said a subtropical westerly jet stream with strong winds is currently prevailing over northwest India. The ongoing western disturbance is passing far north, limiting its impact on Himachal Pradesh.
However, another fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 19, which may bring light rain and snowfall at isolated places.
The seven-day forecast shows only isolated precipitation till January 18, with scattered rain and snow likely on January 20 and 22. A cold wave warning has been issued for isolated places only for January 16.
Farmers pin hopes on snowfall
Apple growers and farmers across mid and high hill regions are anxiously watching the skies. The state has faced an unusually dry winter so far, with negligible snowfall and rainfall in December and January. Experts warn that prolonged dry spells can impact apple chilling hours, wheat crops and groundwater recharge.
“Snowfall is our lifeline. Without proper snow and rain, crops will suffer and water sources may dry up,” said an apple grower from upper Shimla district.
Despite repeated forecast failures, farmers are hopeful that the coming western disturbance will finally bring the much-needed moisture to the drought-hit hills.
For now, Himachal continues to wait — skywards.
