Shimla
Rains are continuing in many parts of Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall is falling on the peaks. Tribal areas Lahaul, Pangi of Chamba are experiencing December-like cold in June. Such a change in weather is being seen in the valley after decades. Weather experts are considering it as direct proof of global warming. Tribal district Lahaul-Spiti has witnessed December-like cold this time in June. People’s daily routine is getting affected due to this sudden change in weather. The cold has increased so much that people have to keep themselves warm by lighting a tandoor. At the same time, people have also taken out coats, jackets, and sweaters. Cold is being felt even in Shimla and other high-altitude areas.
People are leaving their homes in the morning wearing sweaters and jackets. It has been snowing continuously in the high altitude areas for the past several days, while heavy rains are continuing in the lower residential areas. The temperature has gone down much below normal, which has adversely affected the growth of crops. Hotel Association President Tanzin Karpa said that the morning and evening temperatures have fallen a lot for the past few days, and it is freezing. He said that such weather is being seen after decades. Tourism businessmen Ramesh, Dorje and Rigzin said that due to the cold, tourists are preferring to stay in hotels and homestays instead of tents and camping.
The temperature in Koksar Valley, located in the lap of Rohtang Pass, is going below zero at night. For the last three days, the night temperature has been reaching minus three to four degrees Celsius. Strong winds are blowing here during the day. Due to which common people and tourists are facing problems.
A major accident was averted on Kilad-Chamba via Sachhe Jot road. Actually, a taxi carrying 12 passengers from Pangi to Chamba slipped on the snow in Sachhe Jot. It was fortunate that the taxi did not fall into the ditch; otherwise, there could have been a huge loss of life and property. At present, the driver and the passengers are safe. As soon as the taxi reached the top of Jot, it suddenly skidded on the snow. The driver showed prudence and controlled the vehicle. However, there was a lot of screaming among the passengers. After this, all the passengers got out of the taxi. As soon as the incident was known, the team from the Public Works Department also reached there and got the taxi safely across Jot. Sachhe Jot was closed due to about 30 cm of snowfall three days ago.
Last night, 64.1 mm rainfall was recorded in Karsog, 45.0 mm in Kufri, 40.2 mm in Shimla, 39.4 mm in Malraon, 37.0 mm in Ghaghs, 34.6 mm in Naina Devi, 32.4 mm in Kahu, 31.2 mm in Murari Devi, 30.0 mm in Slappar, 28.6 mm in Bilaspur, 28.0 mm in Jubbarhatti and 25.8 mm in Paonta Sahib.
During the last 24 hours, the maximum temperature at many stations fell significantly and at most stations the maximum temperature was 4-7 degrees Celsius below normal. At most stations the minimum temperature was 3-6 degrees Celsius below normal and at some places it was normal or near normal.
