Climate of Himachal Pradesh
There is a huge variation in the climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh due to variation in altitude (450–6500 metres). The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical (450–900 metres) in the southern low tracts, warm and temperate (900–1800 metres), cool and temperate (1900–2400 metres) and cold glacial and alpine (2400–4800 metres) in the northern and eastern high elevated mountain ranges.
By October, nights and mornings are very cold. Snowfall at elevations of nearly 3000 m is about 3 m and lasts from December start to March end. About 4500 m, is perpetual snow.
The spring season starts from mid February to mid April. The weather is pleasant and comfortable in the season.
The rainy season start at the end of the month of June. The landscape lushes green and fresh. During the season streams and natural springs are replenished. The heavy rains in July and August cause a lot of damage resulting in erosion, floods and landslides.
Out of all the state districts, Dharamsala receives the highest rainfall, nearly about 3400 mm. Spiti is the driest area of the state (rainfall below 50mm). The reason is that it is enclosed by high mountains on all sides.[1]
| Particulars and Characteristics |
Shivalik Zone |
Mid-Hill Zone |
High hill zone |
Trance-Himalayan Zone |
| Altitude |
Up to 800 m |
800m-1,600m |
1,600m-2,700m |
2,700m-3,600m |
| Type of area |
Valley areas and foothills |
Hilly and mountain ranges |
Alpine zone |
Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur range |
| Climatic conditions |
Sub tropical |
Slightly warm temperature |
Cool temperature with humidity |
Dry and extremely cold conditions |
| Rainfall in mm. |
1,500 |
1,500-3000 |
1,000-1,500 |
500 |
| % of total geographical area |
30% |
10% |
25% |
35% |
| % of total cultivated area |
55% |
30% |
10% |
5% |
References
