Shimla, Jan 27 (Reporter) Himachal Pradesh is witnessing an alarming rise in temperature during peak winter, with night temperatures in many places rising significantly above normal; contrary to this, the foothills and plains were comparatively colder. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees on Monday, which is six degrees above the seasonal average. This warming trend has raised concerns for horticulture, as fruit crops depend on cold winters to remain dormant and prepare for the spring bloom. Comparing temperatures across the state, Dalhousie stood out with a minimum of 10.5 degrees, a staggering 9.3 degrees above normal. Manali also saw a rise, recording 1.9 degrees, 2.7 degrees above average. Kalpa and Jubberhatti Airport reported zero and 7.8 degrees with Kalpa showing a rise of 3.7 degrees. Higher-altitude areas like Kufri and Narkanda also experienced unusually warm nights, with temperatures of 6.9 and 3.9 degrees. In other regions, Bhuntar recorded 0.3 degrees 2 degrees below normal, while Dharamshala, at 5 degrees, was 1.9 degrees below its usual mark. Una, too, reported a chilly 0.6 degrees, 3.8 degrees below average. On the other hand, Kasauli showed a warming trend, recording 10.4 degrees, two degrees above normal. These temperature spikes are concerning, especially for fruit growers who rely on consistent winter cold to ensure a good crop. The lack of precipitation across the state compounds the issue, painting a worrying picture for agriculture and the environment. While some areas like Una and Dharamshala remain colder than normal, the overall warming trend in key horticultural and tourist destinations like Shimla, Dalhousie, and Manali signals the need to closely monitor the changing weather patterns...////...