Shimla records warmest winter

Shimla, Feb 3 (ANI): Shimla has recorded the warmest winter in the last five years, in spite of several days of snowfall.

As per the records of the Meteorological Department there, the maximum temperature recorded was five degrees above normal.

"Normal temperature remains 10 degree Celsius, but in January, the temperature recorded was 15 degrees Celsius, which is five degrees above the normal. The minimum temperature remains two degrees Celsius but this time we recorded five degree, which is three degree more than the normal," said Manohan Singh, Director, Meteorological Centre, Shimla.

The warmer climate has affected sales of woollen garments.

"The winters are not that cold, so we are not able to sell woollen clothes. Even the tourists who come here are not purchasing anything. Sales have declined compared to last year," said Sukhdev Singh, a shopkeeper.

Shhimla citizens say that massive deforestation and increase in the pollution have led to such a scenario.

"There has been a change in the climate. One of its prime reasons is deforestation, which is resulting in less rainfall, and the other is population growth," said Ranu Ram, a resident.

The Meteorological Department say the temperature will remain same till the first week of February. (ANI)