Climate crisis': Himachal witnesses 9th lowest rainfall in Jan since 1901

Failed snowfalls, warm winters, and an alarming 84 percent rainfall deficiency in Himachal Pradesh have sent alarming signals about the upcoming summer, which is expected to be harsh and plagued by a water crisis.

- ASHWANI SHARMA

SHIMLA:

Environmental experts have already warned about the long-term implications of these changing weather patterns in the hills, forecasting that the situation could drastically alter the region's water supply. The dry spell has also impacted the state's apple crop and delayed wheat sowing.

As per data released by Shimla station of India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received only 13.3 mm of rainfall between January 1 to February 1, against the normal average of 85.3 mm, marking the ninth lowest rainfall in January since 1901.

"The driest January on record remains 1966, with a mere 0.3 mm of rainfall," said a senior official of the IMD at Shimla.

The lowest ever January rainfall of 0.3 mm was recorded in 1996, followed by 6.8 mm in 2024, and 9 mm in 2018. According to the Meteorological department, the rain deficit was 84 percent.