Temperatures Near 40°C in Himachal; Rain, Thunderstorm, Lightning Forecast Triggers Yellow Alert in 8 Districts

Shimla, April 26: Himachal Pradesh continued to reel under intense heat on Friday, with the mercury soaring close to 40°C in the plains. The scorching sun and rising temperatures left people visibly uncomfortable, particularly in low-lying areas. Una recorded the highest temperature at 39.8°C, followed by 38.2°C in Dhaula Kuan (Sirmaur) and 25.5°C in Shimla.

However, relief may be on the horizon as the weather is expected to shift dramatically in the next 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for eight districts, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across several parts of the state.

According to the forecast, the weather is likely to deteriorate on Saturday, April 26, especially in mid and higher hill districts. Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to see rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and winds gusting up to 40 km/h. The department has advised residents in these areas to remain alert and prepare for potential emergencies.

In contrast, the plains—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Solan—are expected to experience mainly clear skies over the weekend.

Looking ahead to April 27, light rain is forecast in Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti, with the possibility of snowfall in higher elevations. Other regions of the state are likely to remain mostly dry. Weather is expected to stay clear on April 28 and 29, offering temporary relief, but showers may return on April 30, affecting several districts once again.

In the past 24 hours, light rain and snowfall were recorded in some parts of the state. Gondla in Lahaul Valley saw 3 cm of snow, while Keylong also witnessed light snowfall. However, these events did not significantly impact overall temperatures, which remained 2–4°C above normal in most areas.

A slight increase in minimum temperatures was noted as well, with the state recording an average rise of 0.7°C on Friday.

Here are some of the recorded minimum temperatures on Friday:

• Shimla: 16.2°C

• Sundernagar: 14.5°C

• Bhuntar: 11.8°C

• Kalpa: 5.5°C

• Dharamshala: 17.8°C

• Una: 13°C

• Nahan: 18.9°C

• Keylong: 0.7°C

• Palampur: 22°C

• Solan: 12.6°C

• Manali: 9.9°C

• Kangra: 17°C

• Mandi: 16.1°C

• Bilaspur: 14.8°C

Despite the ongoing heat, the coming days may bring much-needed respite as weather systems shift and cooler conditions return, at least temporarily.