By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 24: Unseasonal rains have cast a wintry spell over Shillong, catching its residents off guard as the city braces for what feels like an early winter. Instead of enjoying the crisp, pleasant weather days of autumn, locals are reaching for their woollens and heaters, while the city’s usually bustling streets have emptied out, draped in mist and chill.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shillong, the rain since 3 am on Thursday has measured 4.8 mm in Shillong, 3.1 mm in Umiam, and 2.4 mm in Sohra. The minimum temperature dipped to 13.2 degrees Celsius in Shillong, on Thursday, one of the lowest recorded so far this season.
Across the city, winter wear is making a sudden comeback as residents adjust to the unexpected weather shift.
While the rains are not unusual for this time of year, the abrupt dip in temperatures and the lingering cold can be attributed to the effects of Cyclone Dana, which made landfall in Odisha on Thursday night. Though Meghalaya has been spared the brunt of the storm, its indirect impact is being felt across the state, with rainclouds drifting up from the cyclone’s path.
“The associated weather systems from Dana have triggered rain in Meghalaya, and this pattern may continue for the next few days,” as per IMD.
Now, however, many are retreating indoors, layering themselves with blankets and even switching on heaters to combat the chill.
For now, the IMD has issued no immediate weather warnings for the state but anticipates continued rainfall in the coming days, further deepening the chill.