Climate of Himachal Pradesh

Climate of Himachal Pradesh

The climate varies across the state with the altitude. In the southern low tracks between an altitude of 400-900 it is hot sub humid type, between 900-1800m altitude warm & temperate, between 900-2400m cool & temperate, cold alpine & glacial above 2400- 4800m altitude. Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmour, and Una districts experience sub tropical monsoon, mild and dry winter and hot summer.
Shimla district has tropical upland type climate with mild and dry winter and short warm summer. Chamba district experiences, humid subtropical type climate having mild winter, long hot summer and moist all season.
Kullu district experience mainly humid subtropical type of climate with mild winter moist all season, long hot summer and marine.
During the period from January to February heavy snowfall in higher reaches create conditions for low temperature throughout the state making it unpleasant and series of western disturbances also affect the state
Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three regions: –

The Shivalik ranges (the height from plain upto 915 metres);
Colder Zone (the height is about 4500 metres); and
The Axis and Crystalline core of the whole system (the height above 4500 metres but below 5500 metres).

The climatic conditions, therefore, vary from the semi- tropical to semi-artic. Physiographically, the state can be divided into five zones based on altitudes and moisture regime conditions.
These vary from wet humid sub-temperate situation to dry temperate alpine high lands. Besides the seasonal variations, the climate of Himachal Pradesh varies at different altitudes. The Average rainfall is 152 cms. (60 inches). The highest rainfall occurs in Kangra district followed by Shimla district.

Temperature of Himachal Pradesh

There are striking variations in the mean annual temperature in the state. Mean annual temperature is higher in western parts of the state and it decreases gradually towards north and eastern parts, as the altitude increases. The maximum mean annual temperature of above 25 degree Centigrade is recorded in the southern and western part of Una district, the western parts of Bilaspur district, and the extreme southwestern part of Solan district.
The average annual temperature lies between 20 and 25 degree Centigrade in the remaining parts of Una and Bilaspur districts, the northwestern part of Solan district, parts of Hamirpur district, and the extreme western part of Mandi district.
In the eastern parts of Mandi district, parts of Kullu district, Kangra valley area, and the northeastern part of Solan district, the variation in mean annual temperature is between 15 and 20 degree Centigrade.
In the remaining parts of the state, the mean annual temperature is less than 15 degree Centigrade.
Temperature in general decreases from south to north. The average monthly temperature of the summer months varies from 26 C in the lower outer valleys to 14 degree Centigrade in the inner valley zone, and that of winter months from 13 degree Centigrade to 4 degree Centigrade.
Temperature also decreases with increasing altitude.

Rainfall Pattern in Himachal Pradesh

Most of the rainfall in Himachal Pradesh originates from the southwestern monsoon, starting in June and stretching up to September.
Maximum rainfall occurs during the months of July and August. During winter months, a fairly good amount of rainfall and snowfall is also received from western disturbances throughout the state.
Spatially, in general, rainfall follows altitudinal patterns and increases from plains to the hills. Due to rain shadow effect of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, rainfall starts decreasing towards Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
Spiti valley is closed from all sides by high Mountains and therefore it is driest. Rainfall distribution varies from less than 50 mm in the drier part of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts to over 3,000 mm in the area around Dharamsala. Dharamsala receives the highest rainfall in the state.
The peripheral areas of Dharamsala region, the southwestern part of Chamba, and the southern part of Sirmaur receive annual rainfall above 2,000 mm.
From these regions, the rainfall declines gradually towards the northern and eastern parts of the state.
In the central, southwestern and southeastern parts of the state, rainfall ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 mm.
In the northwestern and eastern parts of Chamba, the south-western portion of Lahaul-Spiti, the southern and western parts of Kinnaur, and parts of eastern Kullu, the annual rainfall varies between 50 and 100 mm.

Drought in Himachal Pradesh

Meteorological drought over an area is defined as a situation when the monsoon seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the area is less than 75% of its long-term average value. Moderate drought: if the rainfall deficit is 26-50% and Severe drought: when the deficit exceeds 50% of the normal.
A year is considered as a ‘drought year’ when the area affected by moderate and severe drought either individually or together is 20- 40% of the total area of the country and seasonal rainfall deficiency during southwest monsoon season for the country as a whole is at least 10% or more.
Himachal Pradesh is enlisted under the frequent drought (10-20% Probability) prone areas as per Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Classification of drought incidences from 1875-2004 periods.
A total of 23 droughts have occurred in the state of which 20 were moderate and 3 have been severe over the 1879-2009 time periods with the drought probability of 17 % and with four instances of consecutive droughts over two years.

Agro climatic Zone of Climate of Himachal Pradesh

SHIVALIK HILL ZONE Climate of Himachal Pradesh:

Climate Sub Tropical, consists of foothills and valley area from 350 to 650 meters above mean sea level.
It occupies about 35% of the geographical area and about 40% of the cultivated area of the State.
The major crops grown in this Zone are Wheat, Maize, Paddy, Gram, Sugarcane, Mustard, Potato, Vegetables etc.

MID HILL ZONE Climate of Himachal Pradesh:

This zone extends from 651 meters to 1,800 meters above mean sea level. Having mild temperate climate.
It occupies about 32% of the total geographical area and about 37% of the cultivated area of the State.
The major crops are Wheat, Maize, Barley, Black Gram, Beans, Paddy etc. This zone has very good potential for the cultivation of Cash Crops like Off-Season Vegetables, Ginger and production of quality seeds of temperate vegetables like Cauliflower and root crops.

HIGH HILL ZONE Climate of Himachal Pradesh:

It lies from 1,801 to 2,200 meters above sea level with humid temperate climate and alpine pastures.
This zone covers about 35% of the geographical areas and about 21% of the cultivated area of the State.
The commonly grown crops are Wheat, Barley, Lesser Millets, Pseudo-Cereals (Buckwheat and Amaranthus), Maize and Potato etc.
The area is ideally suited for the production of quality seed Potato and temperate Vegetables. This zone possesses good pastures and meadows.

COLD DRY ZONE Climate of Himachal Pradesh:

It Comprises of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur Districts and Pangi Tehsil of Chamba District lying about 2,200 meters above mean sea level.
It occupies about 8% of the geographical and 2% of the total cultivated area of the State.
The major crops grown are Wheat,Barley, Pseudo-cereals like Buck wheat and Amaranthus. It is ideally suited for the production of quality Seed Potato, temperate and European type of Vegetables and their Seeds, Seed Potato, Peas as green and seed purposes.

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the state ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1,000-2,000 mm. The monsoon season is from June to September, and the winter season is from December to February.

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is influenced by its location in the Himalayas. The mountains block the Cold Winds from the north, and the state receives a lot of rainfall from the monsoons. The climate of Himachal Pradesh is also affected by its altitude. The higher the altitude, the colder the climate.

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for agriculture. The state is known for its apple orchards, and it also produces a variety of other fruits and vegetables. The climate is also ideal for tourism. The state is home to a number of popular tourist destinations, including Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.

Temperature

The temperature in Himachal Pradesh varies depending on the altitude. The higher the altitude, the colder the climate. The average temperature in the state ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer.

The winter season in Himachal Pradesh is from December to February. The temperature during this time can drop below freezing, especially in the higher altitudes. The summer season in Himachal Pradesh is from June to September. The temperature during this time can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in the lower altitudes.

Rainfall

The average annual rainfall in Himachal Pradesh is 1,000-2,000 mm. The monsoon season is from June to September, and this is when the state receives most of its rainfall. The winter season is the driest time of the year in Himachal Pradesh.

Monsoon season

The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh is from June to September. This is when the state receives most of its rainfall. The monsoon rains are essential for agriculture in the state. The monsoon season is also a popular time for tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Winter season

The winter season in Himachal Pradesh is from December to February. The temperature during this time can drop below freezing, especially in the higher altitudes. The winter season is a popular time for skiing and other winter Sports in Himachal Pradesh.

Altitude

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is also affected by its altitude. The higher the altitude, the colder the climate. The average temperature in the state ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. However, the temperature can drop below freezing in the higher altitudes, especially in the winter.

Agriculture

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for agriculture. The state is known for its apple orchards, and it also produces a variety of other fruits and vegetables. The main crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are rice, wheat, maize, and barley. The state also produces a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and plums.

Tourism

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is also ideal for tourism. The state is home to a number of popular tourist destinations, including Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular hill station. Manali is a popular tourist destination for trekking and other outdoor activities. Dharamshala is the home of the Dalai Lama and is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is a major factor in the state’s economy. Agriculture and tourism are two of the main industries in the state, and both are dependent on the climate. The climate of Himachal Pradesh is also a major factor in the state’s culture. The people of Himachal Pradesh have adapted to the climate and have developed a unique culture that is based on the natural Environment.

What is the climate of Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and humid, while the winters are cold and dry. The monsoon season is from July to September, and the snowfall season is from December to February.

What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant. The summers are too hot and humid, while the winters are too cold and dry.

What are some of the popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Kullu, and Dharamshala.

What are some of the things to do in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the things to do in Himachal Pradesh include trekking, hiking, camping, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding. You can also visit temples, monasteries, and historical sites.

What are some of the must-try foods in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the must-try foods in Himachal Pradesh include Himachali thali, siddu, ragi roti, and manchurian. You can also try the local fruits and vegetables.

What are some of the things to keep in mind when visiting Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the things to keep in mind when visiting Himachal Pradesh include the altitude, the weather, and the culture. The altitude can be high, so it is important to acclimatize before doing any strenuous activities. The weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. The culture is different from the culture in other parts of India, so it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

What are some of the challenges of living in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the challenges of living in Himachal Pradesh include the altitude, the weather, and the lack of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. The altitude can be high, so it can be difficult to breathe and people can get altitude sickness. The weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. The lack of infrastructure can make it difficult to get around and access basic Services.

What are some of the opportunities of living in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the opportunities of living in Himachal Pradesh include the beautiful scenery, the clean air, and the peace and quiet. The scenery is beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and green valleys. The air is clean and pollution-free. The pace of life is slower and more relaxed.

What are some of the things that make Himachal Pradesh unique?

Some of the things that make Himachal Pradesh unique include the culture, the people, and the scenery. The culture is rich and diverse, with a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and tribal influences. The people are friendly and welcoming. The scenery is beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and green valleys.

Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Climate of Himachal Pradesh:

Which of the following is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Kullu
(D) Manali
Which of the following is the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kamet
(C) Mana Peak
(D) Pin Parvati Peak
Which of the following is the largest river in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Sutlej
(B) Beas
(C) Ravi
(D) Chenab
Which of the following is the main language spoken in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Hindi
(B) Punjabi
(C) Pahari
(D) Gaddi
Which of the following is the main religion in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Sikhism
(C) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(D) Islam
Which of the following is the main crop grown in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Apple
Which of the following is the main tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Kullu
(D) Manali
Which of the following is the main festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Dussehra
(B) Diwali
(C) Holi
(D) Baisakhi
Which of the following is the main sport played in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Cricket
(B) Hockey
(C) Football
(D) Kabaddi
Which of the following is the main animal found in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Snow leopard
(B) Red panda
(C) Musk deer
(D) Himalayan tahr