Heavy snowfall, rain end prolonged dry spell in Himachal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 31

The state received its first widespread snowfall/rainfall of the winter season, snapping one of the longest and worst dry spells the state has ever seen in the winters. As per the forecast of the Weather Department, the precipitation started during Tuesday night and several places were covered with snow by the morning. The areas falling in plains and low hills received a good spell of rain. While the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba received snowfall ranging from 8cm to 25cm, the apple growing upper Shimla received around 5-10 cm snowfall and rain at lower altitudes. Shimla city received light drizzle throughout the day and a brief spell of hailstone late evening. As per the weather department, snowfall and rainfall is likely to continue until February 2.

As per the Disaster Management authorities, the snowfall led to the closure of 130 roads, including four national highways, in the morning. As many as 395 distribution transformers were also disrupted by the precipitation.

The widespread snowfall brought cheers to the worried apple growers as the continuous dry conditions had significantly reduced the chances of a good yield this season. “If the dry spell had continued, it would have killed all hopes of getting a good crop. This spell would help a lot as the parched orchards would get moisture back, which would help in consistent flowering and good fruit setting,” said Lokender Bisht, president of the Progressive Growers Association.

Meanwhile, the stakeholders in the tourism sector are also delighted with the snowfall. “The flow of tourists had dried up in Shimla and nearby tourist spots as there was no snow. Now, we hope the tourist footfall will increase,” said Joginder, who plies horses at Kufri. The tourists at Kufri enjoyed the snowfall here. “We are really enjoying the snowfall at Kufri.,” said Nita Patel, a tourist from Gujarat.

Jan third driest in last 123 years

This month has ended as the third most-driest January in the last 123 years. Following the precipitation over the last 24 hours, the rain/snow deficiency has reduced to minus 93 per cent in this month. Before the start of the latest precipitation spell, the precipitation deficiency was close to 100 per cent and the month was in reckoning to be the driest ever January in the last 123 years. Now, it has ended up as the third driest January after 1966 (minus 99.6 per cent deficiency) and 2007 (minus 98.5 per cent deficiency).

4NHs among 130 roads closed

• Snowfall led to the closure of 130 roads, including four national highway, in the morning.
• As many as 395 distribution transformers were also disrupted by the precipitation.
• Snow has brought cheers to the worried apple growers as the continuous dry conditions had significantly reduced the chances of a good yield.
• Stakeholders in the tourism sector are delighted.
• MeT department says that snowfall and rainfall is likely to continue till February 2.

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