Rain, Hailstorms, and Strong Winds Disrupt Life Across Himachal; Weather Alert Extended Until May 8
Shimla, May 2: Himachal Pradesh is witnessing unusual weather for May, with rain, hailstorms, and strong winds affecting life in several regions of the state. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, inclement weather is expected to persist until May 8, with a yellow alert in effect. Thunderstorms, hail, and wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h are forecast in many areas during this period.
Fruit Crops, Especially Apples, Hit by Hailstorms
Over the past 24 hours, heavy hailstorms were reported in regions like Theog and Rampur in upper Shimla, as well as parts of Kullu and Siraj in Mandi district. Orchardists have expressed concern as stone fruits and apples, currently in bloom or at early fruit stages, have suffered damage—potentially impacting this season’s yield.
Rain Disrupts Wheat Harvest in Plains
Districts in the plains—Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Kangra—also experienced heavy rain and gusty winds. In several places, ripe wheat crops awaiting harvest were damaged in the fields, delaying harvesting activities. Farmers are now worried about salvaging their remaining crops.
Drop in Temperatures Brings Cold Back to the Hills
A noticeable drop in temperature has been recorded in higher elevations. According to the Met Department, minimum temperatures have fallen by 3 to 5°C below normal in some areas. The lowest temperature, 5.6°C, was recorded in Tabo (Lahaul-Spiti), while the highest was 38.2°C in Una. The chill has prompted residents in Shimla, Kufri, and surrounding regions to bring out warm clothing once again.
Fresh Snowfall on Higher Peaks
Light snowfall has also been reported on higher reaches in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and the Rohtang Pass area, pushing temperatures down further in those regions.
Rain Continues; Warnings for the Next Six Days
Rain continued across Shimla and other parts of the state today, with some areas also experiencing hail. The weather department has issued an orange alert for hailstorms today and tomorrow and a yellow alert until May 8.
From May 2 to 5, fairly widespread rain is expected, shifting to scattered showers between May 6 and 8. Thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are expected daily during this period. Wind speeds may reach 50–60 km/h on May 2 and 3, and 30–50 km/h on subsequent days.
Cyclonic Circulation Behind Weather Shift
Sandeep Sharma, a scientist at the Shimla Meteorological Centre, explained that the weather change is due to an active western disturbance currently centered over southern Punjab and northwestern Haryana. This cyclonic system is present at an altitude of 5.8 to 7.6 km above sea level and is causing widespread impact across Himachal Pradesh.
He advised residents to take precautions over the next six days in light of the forecast.
Recent Rainfall and Wind Records
Rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded at 39 mm in Solan, 33 mm in Gaghas, 26 mm in Raipur Maidan and Bilaspur, 25 mm in Rajgarh and Barsar, 22 mm in Bagi, 20 mm in Pachhad, and 17 mm in Kufri and Neri. Wind speeds reached 65 km/h in Kufri, 61 km/h in Bilaspur, and 57 km/h in Reckong Peo. Gusts of 37 km/h were recorded in Bajura, Narkanda, and Tabo. Loud thunderstorms were reported in Shimla, Jubbarhatti, Sundernagar, Jot, Bhuntar, Murari Devi, Kufri, and Kangra.
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