Prolonged dry winter spell across Sikkim

BIJOY GURUNG

Gangtok, Namchi record zero rainfall for two months

GANGTOK,: In one of the worst dry spell for a decade, Gangtok and Namchi districts have witnessed no rains for two months and counting, while other two districts of Geyzing and Mangan also struggling with negligible rain. Only Pakyong district fares slightly better but also struggles with a 55% deficient rains.

As per IMD Gangtok, the districts of Gangtok and Namchi have remained completely dry for more than two months (December 2025 and January 2026) till February 2 recording a 100 per cent deficient rains.

It was shared that Gangtok town last received recordable rainfall on November 23, 2025, after which the winter season has remained unusually dry. The absence of rainfall for such an extended period has resulted in a 100 per cent rainfall deficit in both Gangtok and Namchi districts during the ongoing winter season.

IMD Gangtok’s district-wise cumulative rainfall data from January 1 to February 2, 2026 records that while Gangtok and Namchi saw no rain at all, most other parts of Sikkim also experienced large rainfall deficits. Mangan and Soreng districts recorded a 97 per cent deficit, Gyalshing 99 per cent, while Pakyong district registered a comparatively lower but still significant deficit of 55 per cent.

Gangtok Meteorological Centre officials observed that such prolonged dry winter conditions are observed once in about a decade in the Sikkim Himalayan region. The primary factor behind the current dry spell is the absence of active Western Disturbances, which are crucial for winter precipitation in the State.

At present, the Western Disturbances are confined to the north-western Himalayan region and are positioned at higher altitudes and latitudes. There is also a lack of moisture over this region, it was explained.

Western Disturbances (WDs) are non-monsoonal, extratropical cyclonic storms originating over the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas, crucial for winter precipitation in northwest India (Dec–Mar). Driven by the westerly jet stream, they bring vital rain and snow to the Himalayas and northern India.

Another contributing factor, officials noted, is the absence of cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal, which often helps transport moisture towards the eastern Himalayan region, including Sikkim, during winter.

Meanwhile, the prolonged dry conditions have raised concerns over forest and bush fires. Ground vegetation across the State has dried up and is vulnerable to ignition. There are concerns that natural springs are depleting rapidly, potentially impacting agriculture and drinking water availability, particularly in rural areas of Sikkim.

In the past, extended dry spells have led to frequent forest fires across Sikkim. Forest fire watch camps were installed at vulnerable locations to detect and monitor such incidents. Continued dry conditions may warrant similar preparedness measures.