Analysis of total precipitation and snowfall pattern over Shimla

Abstract

The study conducted using 20 years total winter precipitation and snowfall data of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) for winter season (December to March) shows that the total precipitation and snowfall for all the months have a decreasing tendency, the highest being for the month of January. The total precipitation and snowfall for different months were found to have decreased in the second decade under study by 6 to 36% and 16 to 86%, respectively. The beginning of snowfall season did not show any delay. However the season is tending to end earlier by about 12 days per decade. The decadal analysis shows that the average date of ending of the snowfall season has advanced by two weeks in the second decade compared to the first decade. The analysis indicates a potential adverse impact on the river flow and agricultural/horticultural production in Himachal Pradesh and other states down stream.