Key Takeaways
- The inclement weather is delaying Rabi crop sowing across Himachal’s mid‑hills.
- Western disturbance forecasts suggest possible 60% rain in Dharamshala within two days.
- Tourists are cautioned against traveling to high reaches like Lahaul‑Spiti due to slippery roads.
Shimla: The delayed sawing of Rabi crops in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh and the hospitality industry of the state are keenly watching inclement weather conditions; however, weathermen are tight-lipped due to unusual trends of soaring abnormal day temperatures and mostly clear weather.
Farmers are waiting for a light spell of rain and snowfall to boost soil moisture for their wheat, barley, mustard, and apple orchards.
They need increased wet conditions to sustain these crops, while apple growers are eager to eliminate dust and dry soil that hinder orchard work.
A Western disturbance likely to advance by the next two days is a little ray of hope, as most weathermen predict 60 percent rainfall in high-rain areas like Dharmshala and its high reaches; however, it is unlikely to keep from December 25 and 31.
The only hope for the state is a sudden increase in the day temperature and mainly fogless conditions, which is a positive signal for the advancement of WD.
During the last 15 years, there has been a change in the weather conditions in the hills as the year ends, and the month of January is a warning signal for the teaming hospitality industry in the state.
However, if tourists want to come to the state, the weather is pleasant in the foothills and mid-hills, but in the high reaches like Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Chamba, the extremely slippery road would be extremely dangerous, and five tourists who attempted to ignore local people in Kaza three days ago were rescued in the most life-threatening operation.
Tourist places like Manali, Shimla, Dharmshala, Dalhousie, Kasouli, and Kufri are mainly sunny, where one could enjoy beautiful sunshine.
The district administration, Lahaul Spiti, has already issued a warning to people that one should avoid inaccessible areas as it is very risky to climb in the high reaches.
The weathermen predict that WDs may bring light rain and snowfall in isolated places in Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu and the high reaches of Shimla district on December 22 and 23; however, it would be mainly dry in the rest of the state and from December 24 until December 31.
