temperature forecasting can be very tedious in mountainous areas. this is due to the "micro-climate" factor which exists in areas with great elevation differences between peaks, hillsides and valleys. here in mcleod ganj there is commonly a significant difference in temperatures throughout the day, depending on elevation, and exposure to sunshine. anyone living in an area facing north and east can tesitfy to this, especially during the winter season.
accurate temperature observations must be taken in the shade... direct sunlight can wreak havoc with a thermometer... because in that case, you are not measuring the temperature of the air itself, but are getting a greatly skewed observation due to the intense rays of the sun. if you've ever been skiing on a sunny day in mid-winter, you know what i mean... the actual air temperature may be -5C (23F), but you are sweating and getting a sunburn!
as i've mentioned many times before, forecast temperatures on this blog are for my location on tushita road, at the top of mcleod ganj, just below the tushita meditation center and the mountaineering center. although there are infinite variations which can occur, based on sun angle, time of day, season of the year, northeast vs. southwest facing, etc... here is a general rule-of-thumb in order to make adjustments for your location:
dharamkot> subtract 1-2C (2-3F)
naddi village> subtract 1-2C (2-3F)
TCV/dal lake> subtract 1C (1-2F)
bhagsu> add 1C (1-2F)
mcleod ganj main market> add 1-2C (2-3F)
main temple area> add 2-3C (3-5F)
library area> add 3C (5-6F)
dharamsala> add 4-5C (7-9F)
conversely... LOW (minimum) temperatures are often colder in some of the lower elevations (especially valleys) during the fall, winter and early spring seasons. it is common between october and march for temps to be 2-4C (4-8F) colder in lower valley locations in the dharamsala area, than on hillsides and ridgetops higher up... especially on clear, calm nights.
again, micro-climate factors can be infinitely variable, but i hope this general rule-of-thumb is helpful. i'm always interested to hear about your personal observations, wherever you may be...
accurate temperature observations must be taken in the shade... direct sunlight can wreak havoc with a thermometer... because in that case, you are not measuring the temperature of the air itself, but are getting a greatly skewed observation due to the intense rays of the sun. if you've ever been skiing on a sunny day in mid-winter, you know what i mean... the actual air temperature may be -5C (23F), but you are sweating and getting a sunburn!
as i've mentioned many times before, forecast temperatures on this blog are for my location on tushita road, at the top of mcleod ganj, just below the tushita meditation center and the mountaineering center. although there are infinite variations which can occur, based on sun angle, time of day, season of the year, northeast vs. southwest facing, etc... here is a general rule-of-thumb in order to make adjustments for your location:
dharamkot> subtract 1-2C (2-3F)
naddi village> subtract 1-2C (2-3F)
TCV/dal lake> subtract 1C (1-2F)
bhagsu> add 1C (1-2F)
mcleod ganj main market> add 1-2C (2-3F)
main temple area> add 2-3C (3-5F)
library area> add 3C (5-6F)
dharamsala> add 4-5C (7-9F)
conversely... LOW (minimum) temperatures are often colder in some of the lower elevations (especially valleys) during the fall, winter and early spring seasons. it is common between october and march for temps to be 2-4C (4-8F) colder in lower valley locations in the dharamsala area, than on hillsides and ridgetops higher up... especially on clear, calm nights.
again, micro-climate factors can be infinitely variable, but i hope this general rule-of-thumb is helpful. i'm always interested to hear about your personal observations, wherever you may be...
