Ooty, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, faced a severe drop in temperature to 1.3°C, resulting in frost and snow-like conditions. The unusual weather disrupted daily life and transformed the town's landscape.
Coimbatore: Ooty, the renowned hill station in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, witnessed a dramatic drop in temperature this Sunday, hitting a record low of 1.3°C. The sudden chill brought with it a unique phenomenon - frost, making the town resemble a mini-Kashmir. This frosty weather, along with the formation of ice, notably altered the serene landscape of the town.
Areas like Ooty Racecourse, Thalikunda, Kanthal, and Pinkerpost were particularly affected, with green lawns covered in a layer of white frost, creating a picturesque winter scene. This spectacle extended to various parts of the hill station, including Ooty Nagar, HPF, and Fingerpost, where dew drops froze on the grass, adding to the magical atmosphere.
The cold wave brought its challenges too. Residents, not accustomed to such extreme weather, struggled with daily activities. Starting cars became a cumbersome task as vehicles accumulated up to an inch of ice. The bitter cold led to health issues like coughs, runny noses, and skin rashes. Consequently, many locals were forced to stay indoors, significantly impacting their daily routines.
Meteorological officials highlighted the stark contrast in day and night temperatures in recent weeks. While the maximum temperature hovered around 25°C, the nights saw a drastic fall, leading to these unusual conditions. They also mentioned that the Nilgiris district typically experiences frost from November to February, but this year's extended arrival was attributed to late storms and rain.
In light of these conditions, officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during this unusually cold spell. The transformation of Ooty into a winter wonderland, while visually stunning, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness.
Areas like Ooty Racecourse, Thalikunda, Kanthal, and Pinkerpost were particularly affected, with green lawns covered in a layer of white frost, creating a picturesque winter scene. This spectacle extended to various parts of the hill station, including Ooty Nagar, HPF, and Fingerpost, where dew drops froze on the grass, adding to the magical atmosphere.
The cold wave brought its challenges too. Residents, not accustomed to such extreme weather, struggled with daily activities. Starting cars became a cumbersome task as vehicles accumulated up to an inch of ice. The bitter cold led to health issues like coughs, runny noses, and skin rashes. Consequently, many locals were forced to stay indoors, significantly impacting their daily routines.
Meteorological officials highlighted the stark contrast in day and night temperatures in recent weeks. While the maximum temperature hovered around 25°C, the nights saw a drastic fall, leading to these unusual conditions. They also mentioned that the Nilgiris district typically experiences frost from November to February, but this year's extended arrival was attributed to late storms and rain.
In light of these conditions, officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during this unusually cold spell. The transformation of Ooty into a winter wonderland, while visually stunning, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness.