Himachal sees unseasonal heat wave, Shimla logs highest January temperature

Himachal Pradesh has experienced a significant surge in temperatures over the past couple of days, with Shimla recording its highest-ever maximum temperature for January. On Friday, Shimla’s maximum temperature reached 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 11.5 degrees Celsius, the second-highest for the month in the last 25 years.

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The temperatures are significantly above normal, with the maximum temperature deviating by 10.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature by 8.5 degrees Celsius. Manali also recorded its second-highest minimum temperature for January, at 7.2 degrees Celsius, with a deviation of 8.5 degrees Celsius from the normal temperature.

Most weather stations in the state have reported above-normal minimum temperatures, with an average deviation of 4.4°C. Similarly, the average maximum temperatures are up by 4.8°C from normal temperatures.

According to Kuldeep Srivastava, director of Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the temperature spike is attributed to the upcoming western disturbance, which is expected to hit the region on January 5.

“Temperatures often rise ahead of a fresh western disturbance. Clear skies and changes in wind directions have also contributed to the rise in temperatures,” he explained.

Srivastava predicted widespread snowfall and rainfall in the state on January 6, following the arrival of the western disturbance.