COIMBATORE: After a brief lull caused by rainfall, frosting resumed in parts of the Nilgiris.
Even though intermittent rains eased frost conditions, the return of clear skies and cold nights has led to frosting to recommence in different parts of the hills. The sprawling green lawns in areas like the Race Course grounds in Ooty and Thalaikundha and nearby areas, offered a picturesque sight by resembling frost-covered white carpets.
An annual phenomenon, frosting delayed by nearly a month in the second week of December, last year and continues to prolong, while adding charm to the hill station. An official of the horticulture department said there was no frosting for over a week due to rains.
“Temperature has dropped once again over the last few days, but no frost formation has been recorded in the Government Botanical Garden (GBG). The minimum temperature in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday was 6.5 degree celsius at GBG. Temperatures had even gone to minus zero degree celsius last month,” the official said.
Temperature records at GBG indicate sustained cold conditions during December and early January, with sub-zero minimum temperatures on several days, leading to widespread frosting.
The daytime temperature during December largely ranged between 19 degree celsius and 24 degree celsius, while night temperatures showed a sharp dip. The minimum temperature fell to 0 degrees Celsius and below on multiple occasions, including minus 0.8 degrees Celsius on 15 December, minus 0.2 degrees Celsius on December 21, minus 0.1 degree celsius on December 24, minus 2.9 degree celsius on December 25 and a season low of minus 3 degree celsius on December 26.
In January, so far this year, while daytime temperatures remained moderate between 18 degrees Celsius and 22 degree celsius, minimum temperatures continued to hover in the range of 3 degree celsius to 7 degrees Celsius, with occasional rains temporarily easing frost conditions.