TSE/ Jan 5: Unlike in the previous years when Manipur recorded lowest temperatures in the months of December and January, average temperature is yet to drop to its usual level this year. On the contrary, mercury rose suddenly since the beginning of the new year.

According to daily reports furnished by the Directorate of Environment, mean average temperature rose sharply and suddenly since the beginning of the new year.

Although the second half of December and first half of January are known to be the heights of winter season in Manipur, people do not feel the chill this year. Rather a warm weather prevails in the State.

The last days of December recorded maximum temperature of 24.79 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of 8.49 degree Celsius. These figures jumped to 26.53 degree Celsius and 14.33 degree Celsius respectively after the new year.

Today’s maximum temperature was 27.26 degree Celsius while the lowest temperature was 13.96 degree Celsius.

Noted environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou remarked that this year’s winter season did not look like winter season as compared to the past climatic conditions of Manipur.

The Manipuri calendar month of Wakching is known for its freezing chill. But no such coldness has been felt this year even though the month of Wakching is half way through.

It appears that Manipur too has been affected by the global climate change, Dr Shamungou said. Meanwhile, Manipur recorded rainfall measuring 0.07 mm in the past 24 hours and it is expected that the rainfall may bring down the mercury level to some extent.