Dry weather to persist over next seven days

Relief is unlikely from the ongoing dry spell in the state over the next few days.

As per the Weather Department, the weather is likely to remain largely dry over the next five to seven days. There could be some snowfall or rainfall at isolated places in the higher reaches from August 16-18 but overall dry conditions are likely to prevail.

The forecast will disappoint farmers and horticulturalists who are eagerly waiting for a fresh spell of precipitation. The long dry spell has put apple trees under severe stress and a majority of the apple grows are complaining that plants are drying up in the absence of adequate moisture. Even the tourist sector is taking a big hit due to the prevailing dry conditions.

Due to the dry spell the average maximum temperatures at most places are two to four degrees higher than the normal temperature. At many places in upper Shimla area, natural water sources have dried up or the water has reduced significantly, due to which people are facing problems even in getting a regular drinking water supply. At many places people are depending on water tankers in the middle of winters.