Gangtok: The winter season in Sikkim will be extended due to the ongoing wet spell, which is expected to last until March 15. After this period, day temperatures will begin to rise. During the current wet spell, thunderstorms and lightning, along with light to moderate rainfall, are expected. The higher reaches of North and East Sikkim will also experience snowfall in the coming days. Cloudy conditions will keep day temperatures low, prolonging the cold spell.
The current wet spell is attributed to an anti-cyclonic flow over the Bay of Bengal, which is directing moisture-laden winds toward the Himalayas, informed Gopinath Raha, Director of the Indian Meteorological Department in Sikkim.
During January and February, the state recorded a 45% increase in rainfall compared to the usual levels for winter months. North Sikkim witnessed a 74% increase in rainfall, leading to increased snowfall activity in the region. However, IMD Sikkim lacks snow gauges to measure snowfall accurately, making it difficult to provide precise data on the total snowfall. Snowfall in the higher reaches is expected to continue until March 15.
Similarly, Namchi district saw a 16% increase in rainfall, Gangtok recorded an 8% rise, and Pakyong experienced a 9% increase. Only the western districts of Soreng and Geyzing received less rainfall than usual.
Compared to last year, Gangtok’s average temperature in February was 17.8°C, slightly higher than 17.4°C recorded in February last year. Night temperatures also showed minimal change, averaging 9.7°C this year compared to 9.4°C last year. The lowest recorded temperature in Gangtok this year was 5.5°C on February 16.
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