Himachal Pradesh Faces Severe Drought as December Arrives with No Snow on Dhauladhar Peaks

Drought Conditions Persist in Himachal Pradesh

Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: As December unfolds, the majestic Dhauladhar range, typically blanketed in snow by this time, remains stark and brown-grey. Residents from Kangra to Dharamshala are witnessing an unusual sight, attributed to drought-like conditions that have taken hold of Himachal Pradesh following a completely dry November.

According to the Meteorological Department, Himachal usually experiences light rainfall in November, but this year has seen a significant deviation. Seven districts, including Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan, reported almost no rainfall throughout the month. Notably, Sirmaur district recorded a staggering minus 100% rainfall departure, receiving no precipitation at all. Overall, the state experienced a 95% deficit in rainfall, measuring just 1 mm compared to the normal 19.7 mm.

Impact on Agriculture: Farmers Shift Crops

Dry spell hits rabi sowing; farmers shift to barley, mustard

With clear skies and persistent northern winds, soil moisture has diminished, causing concern among farmers. Agricultural experts indicate that wheat sowing has been severely impacted. "Approximately 60% of wheat sowing remains incomplete in many regions due to insufficient moisture," farmers explained, noting their reluctance to sow in dry fields. In some areas, farmers are now opting for barley, mustard, and fodder crops as alternatives.

An agriculture official reported that the state has achieved only 75% of its wheat sowing target thus far, warning that continued dry conditions could hinder germination. The horticulture sector is also feeling the strain. Orchardist Ishan Kanwar cautioned that if dry weather continues, apple orchards may fail to meet their winter chilling requirements, jeopardizing next year's yield.

Colder Nights and Freezing Streams

Nights get colder, streams start freezing in higher reaches

Despite the lack of rainfall, temperatures have plummeted. Daytime temperatures have remained 2-3°C below normal, while nights have turned frigid, bringing a “dry cold” to the hills. In Lahaul and several upper-Himalayan regions, sub-zero temperatures have begun to freeze streams, waterfalls, and rivulets.

The lower and mid-Himalayan areas, which typically receive cloud cover and light rain in November, are experiencing the most severe dry conditions. Except for Kinnaur, which saw minor drizzles, no district received significant rainfall, and even there, the showers did little to improve soil moisture or temperatures. Dense fog was reported in parts of Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra on Sunday morning and evening, prompting the Met office to issue a yellow alert for fog on Monday and Tuesday.

Forecast for Rain and Snow

Relief likely soon: Rain, snow forecast for Dec 4–5

There may be some relief on the horizon. The weather office anticipates that a new western disturbance will become active around December 4. Rain is expected across the lower and mid-hills, while higher altitudes may receive the season's first significant snowfall on December 4-5.

If the rain arrives as predicted, it could provide essential support for the ongoing Rabi season and alleviate agricultural stress across the state.