Himachal Pradesh along with other Himalayan state is set to witness another snowless winter. The trend of no snowfall or very little snowfall have been continue for past 6 winters. It is already Mid-January and there is no sign of either rainfall or snowfall. As per Indian Express report 18/01/2026, Northwest region of country is already experiencing 8% Less rainfall than expected. (See more here) In past few year there is increasing trend of snowless winter ,Mid summer and extreme Monsoon. Himalaya which once look White , now look Like a giant Black rock.Is it new Normal ?
Reason of Low Rainfall and Snowfall.
In Express interview Expert explain the current weather situation as ” The western disturbances currently have little moisture, and the trough, the region of low pressure, is shallow, impeding its ability to lift moisture. The propagation is northward at a higher latitude, which explains bits of precipitation in Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh, because it intersects those regions first and can release moisture there, but not in Uttarakhand, which lies eastward. Another reason could be that when the system approaches the Indian subcontinent, there could be weak circulation, reducing its residence time over the region.”
Simplified version of Expert opinion:
Western disturbance flow from West to East ( as name suggest). These winds enter the India From Central Asia. These Cold wind pic the moisture from Mediterranean sea, enter India and interact with winds of Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea. When these two different Air Mass meet it form the Front like condition and Himalaya and north India receive rainfall and Snowfall. Generally this Front like condition form over the Himalaya. Since it is Cold mass it remain stationary for many days, this is the reason Winter Rainfall.
Presently western Disturbance lack sufficient Moisture. If the western disturbance has good moisture, local air rises, there is enough water vapor to form thick clouds and rain or snow.If the western disturbance is dry, then even if local air rises, clouds stay weak and give little or no rain. So moisture of the western disturbance matters because it supplies water vapor to the system. Without that moisture, rising air alone cannot produce rainfall.
Why High part of Himalaya or Further Northward Part of Himalaya Received snowfall.
Generally these Western Winds span across the Himalaya. However weaker western disturbance passing these time further northward, that why part of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are receiving the rainfall. Where as Lower Himalaya and further eastern Himalaya are experiencing the period of precipitation.
Consequence of Low Rainfall and Snowfall
Low rainfall and snowfall hitting the Horticulture and Agriculture alike. Apple farmers in Shimla, kullu and Kinnaur are using artificial snow to protect the apple orchard, agricultural scientist has warn the farmers that such method can destroyed the plant. Similarly farmers in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur ,Bilaspur etc are worried about the wheat crop, which mainly thrived on winter rain. Farmers in Una and other lower belt are extensively using ground water for irrigation.
Rivers are flowing with very minimal water flows. Which is hampering the electricity production of small Hydro Projects and Kuhls System. If dry condition prevail for few more months many Hydro Project can completely stall. Tourism sector is also badly hit, snowless winter has raised the eyebrow of many owner of hotels. Bhagsu water fall which is major tourist attraction in Dharamshala is almost disappeared. ( See the below image of Bhagsu waterfall). There are also reporting of fire incident in part of districts. Which is destroying the ecological system.Himalayan Glaciers are rapidly melting, various studies suggest that by mid of this century Himalaya may lost all of its Glaciers. There are increasing chance of GOLF events. (See more information here about Loss of Glacier as per latest Survey)
Local Factor for climate Change
In recent years , specially after COVID-19 Tourism industry is booming, many hotels are being constructed, increasing Traffics , Highways projects and other human induced factors are rapidly making Himalaya a concrete jungle.
Solution
Govt need to check the infrastructure growth. Mega Projects are not suitable for Himalayan ecology, eco friendly tourism offer mid part. A small tourism tax can generate sense of responsiveness amount the visitor, Strict pollution law, afforestation etc can help locally. Expert has also raised question mark on 5 MW and below its Hydro Project sustainability as these small Hydro Project offer very little value given the vast ecological disturbance they cause.
An alliance among Himalayan states and border plain states is need of hours. While local efforts are good but they will not yield desire result if all states come together. If right and timely collective action are not taken, Himalayn can completely by pass Snowless winter and may experience extre monsoon.
