A severe and prolonged dry spell combined with biting cold has led to an unusual spectacle in the popular hill station of Mussoorie. A lake at the iconic Municipal Garden has completely frozen over, while large parts of the town were blanketed by a thick layer of frost on Thursday, causing significant inconvenience, especially for commuters.
Widespread Frost Disrupts Daily Life
The intense cold wave has left several key areas of Mussoorie covered in a severe frost. Affected zones included Chaman Estate, Municipal Garden, parts of Landour, Camel's Back Road, Zero Point, and extensive stretches on the routes of Hathipaon–Everest House and Lal Tibba. The frost has turned roads dangerously slippery, posing a major challenge for residents and visitors alike.
Two-wheeler riders faced particularly difficult conditions, struggling to navigate the icy patches. Reports indicate that several two-wheelers slipped on the treacherous roads on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings. A concerned resident, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the growing risk: "If there is no rain or snowfall, the situation could worsen. The municipal council should spray water on the frost-affected stretches to make roads navigable."
Frozen Lake Halts Boating Activities
At the heart of the municipal garden, the lake has transformed into a sheet of ice. Surendra Rana, president of the municipal garden welfare association, confirmed that a thick layer of ice has formed on the lake over the past two days. While boating is technically still permitted, operators now have an extra step before setting out. "Boating is allowed, but operators first have to break the ice with sticks before boats can be used," Rana explained, describing the unusual winter scene.
Unprecedented Dry Winter and Plummeting Temperatures
The current situation stems from an unusual weather pattern this winter. Mussoorie is yet to receive its first precipitation of the season, be it rain or snowfall. This extended dry period, coupled with a sharp dip in temperatures over the last 48 hours, has created the perfect conditions for heavy frost formation across multiple locations. Officials attribute the widespread frost directly to this sudden and significant temperature drop, which has left the town in a deep freeze without the typical winter snow cover.
The combination of a frozen tourist attraction and hazardous road conditions underscores the impact of the atypical winter weather on this Himalayan retreat. Residents are now hoping for either precipitation to ease the frost or municipal intervention to ensure safer travel.
