Shimla records maximum temperature of 21.8 degree C

The state capital Shimla experienced the hottest day today during the month of February in past 10 years as maximum day temperature rose to 21.8 degree Celsius, 13 degree above normal as dry spell continued.
Shimla had recoded maximum temperature at 20. 6 degree on February 19, 2006 but today's maximum temperature was 1.2 degree Celsius more, Manmohan Singh, Director local MeT office said.
The rising temperatures, coupled with dry weather conditions prevailing in the region is causing anxiety to farmers and horticulturists as warm weather during this period could cause damage to Rabi crop and fruit crops.
The dry spell can also cause water problem during the summers besides shortage of fodder as the rain deficit which was 40 per cent during December 2015 had increased to 80 per cent during January 2016.

The warm weather was also dangerous for spread of viral diseases as the bacteria which become dormant due to extreme cold weather, reactivate during warm conditions during winter monts, said Dr Romesh MS, IGMC.
The state is witnessing a unique variation in weather with minimum temperatures remaining low but maximum temperatures rising abnormally.
The maximum temperatures have started rising in lower hills also and Unain Shivalik foothills recorded maximum temperature rose to 25 degree in Una while Solanand Sundernagar recorded a high of 24 degree and 24.3 degree, followed by Bhuntar 24.5 degree, Bhuntar 21.8 degree, Nahan 20.6 degree, Kalpa 17.6 degree and Dharamshala 16.4 degree C.

However, the minimum temperatures remained low and Keylong and Kalpa recorded a low of minus 3.4 degree and 0.6 degree, Manali 2 degree, Sundernagar 3 degree, Solan and Palampur 4 degree, Una 4.8 degree,Dharamsala 7.2 degree, Shimla 8. 6 degree and Nahan 9.6 degree C.