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Climate
There is great diversification in the climatic conditions of Himachal
due to variation in elevation (450-6500mtrs). It varies from hot and sub-humid
tropical (450-900mtrs) in the southern Low tracts, warm and temperate (900-1800mtrs), cool and
temperate (1900-2400mtrs) and cold alpine and glacial (2400-4800mtrs)
in the northern and eastern high mountain ranges.
The year is divided into three seasons. Cold (October
to February), hot (March to June) and rainy (July to September). By October,
nights and mornings are very cold. Snowfall at elevations of about 3000mtrs
is about 3mtrs and lasts from December to March. About 4500mtrs, is perpetual
snow.
The main season is the spring from mid- Feb to March-April.
The air is cool and fresh. Colourful flowers adorn the valleys, forest
slopes and meadows. In the hill stations, the climate is pleasant and
comfortable.
The rains start at the end of June. The entire landscape
becomes green and fresh. Streams begin to swell and springs are replenished.
The heavy rains in July and August cause damage to erosion, floods and
landslides.
Dharamsala has the highest rainfall of 3400mm. Spiti
is the driest area (below 50mm rainfall) being enclosed by high mountains
on all sides. |
