Himachal Pradesh continues to experience exceptionally dry weather conditions, with the state recording 86 percent less rainfall than normal in the first 15 days of November, the Meteorological Department reported on Friday.
The rainfall deficit has been particularly severe in certain districts, with Sirmaur recording 100 percent less precipitation than normal, while Mandi and Shimla witnessed 99 percent deficit during this period.
Clear skies persist, night temperatures plummet
According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, clear weather conditions are forecast to persist across the state until November 21, with no likelihood of rain or snowfall. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to remain stable over the next four to five days.
While days remain pleasant with clear skies, morning and evening temperatures continue to drop. Night temperatures have fallen below 10 degrees Celsius at 27 locations across the state, with several high-altitude areas recording sub-zero temperatures.
Tabo registered the lowest temperature at -6.6°C, followed by Kukumseri at -4.1°C and Keylong at -2.9°C. Among major towns, Bhuntar recorded 3.1°C, Manali 2.7°C, Solan 3.0°C, and Sundernagar 4.1°C as minimum temperatures.
Temperature readings across the state
Minimum temperatures on Friday were recorded as follows: Shimla 9.0°C, Dharamshala 9.8°C, Una 8.3°C, Nahan 8.4°C, Palampur 4.5°C, Kangra 5.8°C, Mandi 5.7°C, Bilaspur 8.6°C, Hamirpur 5.8°C, Jubbarhatti 9.2°C, Kufri 7.5°C, Narkanda 4.8°C, Bharmour 7.1°C, Reckong Peo 3.2°C, Seobagh 1.5°C, Barthin 6.3°C, Sarahan 7.9°C, Dehra Gopipur 9.0°C, and Bajaura 5.0°C.
Maximum temperatures remained moderate, with Shimla recording 20.0°C, Dharamshala 23.1°C, Nahan 25.0°C, Keylong 11.2°C, Solan 24.0°C, Manali 15.8°C, Kangra 24.3°C, Mandi 23.5°C, Bilaspur 25.2°C, and Hamirpur 24.2°C.
The prolonged dry spell has raised concerns about winter precipitation, crucial for agriculture and water resources in the hill state.
