Ooty, the charming hill station nestled in the Nilgiri hills, experienced an unprecedented cold snap as the mercury dipped to a bone-chilling 0.8°C on Monday, marking the lowest winter temperature of the season. The sudden drop in temperature transformed the picturesque town into a winter wonderland, with frost blanketing many parts.
The chilling weather disrupted daily life, leading residents to gather around bonfires for warmth. Sunday saw Ooty witnessing a minimum temperature of 1.3°C, accompanied by frost, creating a scene reminiscent of a mini-Kashmir.
The biting cold has persisted for the past two weeks during evenings and mornings, with the daily minimum temperature hovering around 2 degrees Celsius. Despite the frigid nights, the daytime temperature remains pleasant, accompanied by a typical winter blue sky, with the maximum temperature recorded on Monday at 23.2°C.
The extreme cold has not been without consequences, as farmers reported damage to the top parts of tea plants in several tea gardens around Ooty. While the winter season typically results in lower tea yields, farmers anticipate a positive impact on future yields due to the current cold spell.
Frost formation has been observed in various areas, including Thalakundha, Kandal, Fern Hill, and the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty. Unlike the usual frost period from November to February, this year’s frost began in late January, attributed to stormy rains.
While North India grapples with an intense cold wave, Ooty, situated in the southern part of the country, experiences temperatures below 2.5°C with a relative humidity of 65 percent. The Nilgiri hilly district traditionally witnesses frost during the winter months, and this year’s delayed onset in late January is attributed to stormy weather conditions.
