Shimla, Jan 3 (UNI) In an unprecedented turn of events, Shimla on Friday recorded its highest-ever maximum temperature for the winter season, hitting a remarkable 21.6°C, an official said.
This temperature not only breaks the previous January record of 21.4°C set on January 30, 2006, but also stands as the highest ever recorded during the city’s typically icy winter months.
This comes amid a broader heatwave gripping the Himalayan region, with Shimla and other towns experiencing unusually high temperatures for the season. Earlier today, Shimla also recorded a minimum temperature of 11.5°C, the highest since 2009.
The new record is part of a pattern of warming observed in the region over the past month. December 2024 saw Shimla reach 21.0°C on December 16, nearly matching the 2017 December record of 21.3°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has termed these events as climate anomalies, warning of their potential long-term impacts on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
“This is an alarming trend,” said an IMD spokesperson. “Breaking such records in the heart of winter highlights the growing influence of climate change on the region’s weather patterns.”
Manali and Tabo Witness Unusual Warmth.
While Shimla grabbed headlines with its record-breaking maximum temperature, other parts of Himachal Pradesh are also experiencing unseasonable warmth. Manali recorded a minimum of 7.1°C, just shy of its January record of 7.5°C.
In Tabo, a village known for its freezing winters, the minimum temperature soared from -15.5°C to -5.5°C, a striking 10°C rise.
The IMD predicts that this spell of warmth will soon be replaced by a sharp drop in temperatures as widespread snowfall is expected on January 6. Maximum temperatures are forecast to fall by 4–5°C, while minimums may drop by 3–4°C.
However, the unusual warmth raises concerns about the long-term stability of the region’s climate. Sudden temperature shifts can disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and water availability, posing challenges to local livelihoods and biodiversity.
