Ooty: Frost has begun in low-lying areas in Ooty. Frost in late November is neither a new phenomenon nor a surprising event in the hills. But this year, the commencement of frost has spoilt hopes of rains, as frost herald’s winter. There is drop in temperature, but day weather is warm.
Though the effect of frost is not yet felt in the upper reaches of the hills, it is heavy in low-lying areas in Ooty town, such as the railway station, race course and a few places on the outskirts, indicating that temperature has begun to touch zero level with water solidified into frosty deposits.
Stating that the minimum temperature in the town here has begun to plummet down to around 5 degree celsius, Mr N. Mani, joint director of Horticulture here, said that frost has been reported in the western parts of Ooty town over the past two days.
“We have taken precautionary steps to protect plants in the garden. In the early morning, we use pop-up irrigation to nullify the effects of frost,” he added.
B. Krishnamoorthy, president of the Nilgiris Potato and Vegetable Growers Association said that with the beginning of frost, hopes of rains have waned. Frostbite will damage the tea bushes and other crops, he noted.
