No rain in January in HP in 38 years

Shimla, Jan 29 (UNI) Temperatures continue to remain three to five degrees above normal in Himachal Pradeh due to the continuing dry spell with the state not receiving any rain and snow for the first time in January in 38 years, the met office today said.

''Since 1969, this is the first time in 38 years when the state has not recorded any rain and snow in January,'' Meteorological Department Director Manmohan Singh told UNI here.

He said according to the data available with the department from 1969 onwards, Himachal in 1986 and 1998 had received 3.4 and 8.6 mm rains respectively in January, but that this was the first time when it had not received any rain and snow in the first month of year.

The continuing dry weather spell has raised fears of a severe drought this year with 98 per cent deficient rains being recorded up till now, forcing the state government to direct the district authorities to submit report on the losses suffered by the farmers during the period, official sources said.

The minimum and maximum temperature in the state continue to remain three to five degrees above normal due to the continuing dry spell with the night temperature in the higher altitude areas of the tribal districts being recorded between minus eight to minus 15 degrees from a high of minus 15 to minus 25 degrees.

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