Winter-like conditions in peak summer months.
Residents living close to the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in Western Himalayas are surprised to be experiencing the coldest summer months in decades.
The average high temperature in Manali was 26C in June and July this year, and below 23C in May. Average night temperature has been hovering around 11C since June, while it was below 9 degrees in May. The night temperature in Lahaul, the coldest valley of the state, is below 11C.
“I’ve seen 83 summers and winters in my life but never witnessed such summer when my family is forced to sleep under quilt in June and July,” said Jeet Ram Thakur, resident of Ruar village. “Unlike last year when I had dared to bathe with cold water even at this age, this year not only I but all my villagers are bathing with warm water,” he said.
Jalfu Ram, an octogenarian from Burua village, said it is strange that some light drizzles are creating winter-like conditions in peak summer months. “I am sleeping under a blanket and a quilt these days. My son had bought a table fan few years back but I noticed that nobody used it this year. Weather is changing really,” he said.
Season by 1 to 2 weeks beyond the actual season.
The prolonged winter season and high accumulation of snow on surrounding mountain peaks could be reason of low temperature in Manali and nearby areas, said Dr Jagdish Chander Kuniyal, a senior scientist with GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.
The entire Pir Panjal mountain range is deep under several feet of snow. Rohtang Pass is still under 2 to 5 feet of snow. The region witnessed a prolonged winter season, which even shifted the blooming season and now fruit harvesting
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