Ooty, a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu, is grappling with an unusual and severe cold spell, with temperatures nearing zero degrees, raising concerns among experts and the local community. The unseasonal climatic phenomenon has not only left residents battling biting cold but has also adversely affected farming activities in the region.
Official data reveals chilling temperatures at various locations in the Nilgiris district, with Kanthal and Thalaikuntha in Udhagamandalam recording a low of 1 degree Celsius. The Botanical Garden registered a slightly higher temperature at 2 degrees Celsius, while Sandynallah reported 3 degrees Celsius.
The impact of the cold wave is evident in the frost-covered lush green lawns and dense fog, severely limiting visibility. Locals are grappling with health issues attributed to the unprecedented drop in temperatures, prompting many to resort to sitting around bonfires for warmth.
Residents and environmental activists are expressing growing concern over this ‘unseasonal’ cold spell. V Sivadas of the Nilgiri Environment Social Trust (NEST) attributes this climatic shift to global warming and the El Niño effect. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study to understand the implications of this delayed onset of cold in the Nilgiris.
The local tea industry, a significant economic driver, is facing challenges due to heavy rains in December followed by the current cold period. R Sukumaran, secretary of a local tea workers union, voices concerns about potential impacts on production in the upcoming months.
Vegetable farmers, particularly those cultivating cabbages, report adverse effects on their crops. The cold conditions are not only making it difficult for residents to commute, with reports of health issues such as difficulty in breathing, severe headaches, and fever, but also pose a threat to overall agricultural productivity in the region.
As the chilling weather persists, residents are hopeful for a return to more typical climatic conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to mitigate the impacts of this unusual cold spell.