News
No snow in Shimla, Manali on New Year, winter temp to rise: HP Met
Shimla: The fever of assembly elections is now receding after formation of the new government in Himachal Pradesh. However, to the dismay of the hospitality industry, the Christmas passed without snow, and now the sun haunts remaining three days of the year 2017. As per the Meteorological Department, the sun will be shining till January 2, 2018.
The maximum temperature in Shimla on December 28 was recorded at 17 degrees Celsius, 16.8 degrees in Dharamsala, 9.1 in Dalhousie and 14.5 degrees in Manali.
The last two weeks of December used to be all about the ‘New Year’ celebrations. For tourist towns like Manali and Shimla had become synonymous with white Christmas and New Year eve. Snowfall and mountains were what attracted tourist towards Himachal in chilling winters,
said a well-established hotelier of Shimla
Sadly, the unsustainable concocting activities of humans are upto destroying both of them.
However, the pattern of snow has become more or less erratic with a decrease in the snowfall. However, as per the feedback from the Tourism Department and hoteliers, this year tourist are enjoying the sunny days too. In other words, the hospitality industry might not suffer much due to the absence of snow.
As per the Tourism Department, 153.52 lakh tourists visited Himachal up to September during this year. Out of the total, 150.05 lakh were domestic and 3.77 lakh foreign tourists. This year, tourism contributed 6.8 percent to the domestic product of the state.
However, the agriculturists and those dependent on horticulture know only too well the significance of rain and snow. As per the scientist, the increase in the maximum and minimum temperatures has led to a reduction in overall precipitation and snowfall. The scholars suggest that the drop in apple production is a clear reflection of the decrease in snowfall.
The table given below shows the results of a study titled “Analysis of Total Precipitation and Snowfall Pattern over Shimla” published in the Journal of Agro-Meteorology in 2011:
The total precipitation and snowfall data of Shimla for 20 winter seasons from 1991-92 to 2010-11 was considered for the study. The winters in Himachal usually start during November and last upto March.
As per the results, it was found that both total precipitation and snowfall have decreased during last two decades. While the snowfall was found to be stable during January and February, it particularly decreased during the beginning of the winter season.
Abnormal climatic factors during winters, flowering and fruit development stage have lowered apple productivity of the state. The highly suitable apple production areas are now restricted only to higher hills of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, dry temperate zones of Kinnaur and Spiti areas. The moderately suitable areas have now become marginal for apple production in the state,
says Prof S K Bhardwaj of Department of Environmental science, YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry.
Further, the scientists suggested that glaciers were direct indicators of climate change.
The rate of retreat of glaciers in Baspa and Parvati basins has also been fast since 1962, in some cases as high as 172 meters per year. Area under snow cover too has changed between October to June in six basins,
says a Senior scientific officer at Himachal Pradesh Council of Science and Technology Dr S S Randhawa.
The official data also shows that the apple growers are taking to cultivation of vegetables and ‘low chill’ fruits like pomegranate and kiwi due to an erratic trend of snow in low and mid-altitude (1200-1800 metres) regions of Kullu, Shimla and Mandi districts. Others have begun to try intercropping in apple orchards with other crops or vegetables.
Image: File Photo Himachal Watcher
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
Home Decor Ideas 2020