Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a mix of weather patterns and travel advisories as of May 21, 2024. The state has seen light to moderate rain in some areas, while others remain dry. Keylong is the coolest spot, and Kangra the hottest, with varying chances of rain across the region. A heat wave is expected to affect many districts in the coming days. Meanwhile, travel regulations are in place for key routes like the Darcha-Shinkula-Zanskar road and the NH-03 Manali-Leh Highway, with specific guidelines and precautions due to potential weather-related hazards. Despite the diverse weather conditions, no major weather events have been reported, and temperatures have remained above normal.
Today in Himachal Pradesh, the weather blends partly cloudy skies and light rain in some regions. Shimla, the summer capital, has a partly cloudy sky, leading to dimmed sunlight, cooler temperatures, and reduced visibility. Overall, there’s no major weather event affecting the state.
Over the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh experienced light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in some areas. The lower hills, such as Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, and parts of Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur, remained dry and are expected to stay the same tomorrow. Similarly, the middle hills, including Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi, also saw dry conditions. The high hills, like Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu, had dry weather too. Temperatures have been stable, with both daytime and nighttime readings above normal. Kelong was the coldest spot at 5.4°C, while Neri was the hottest at 44.5°C. There was also hail reported in Dharmsala and Bilaspur.
No significant snowfall occurred today in Himachal Pradesh, but various areas did receive rainfall. The highest rainfall was in Slapper, with 20.3mm. Mandi recorded the lowest at 0.2mm. Other notable rainfall amounts include HMO Shillaro with 7.0mm, Baggi with 6.2mm, Shimla AERO with 5.8mm, Kumarsain with 5.4mm, Bijahi with 4.2mm, Chaupal with 4.0mm, Sarahan with 3.0mm, Sangla with 2.4mm, Theog with 2.0mm, Sundarnagar with 1.6mm, Kufri AWS with 1.0mm, Janjehi with 1.0mm, and Shimla with 0.7mm.
Today in Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is the coolest spot with a temperature of 17.6°C and a high 99% chance of rain. Kufri is warmer at 22.6°C with a 33% chance of rain. Shimla stands at 25.8°C with a 27% chance of rain. Chamba and Sundernagar are quite warm, with Chamba at 34.9°C and Sundernagar at 32°C, both having a moderate chance of rain. Kangra is the hottest place at 32.9°C but has only a 1% chance of rain.
The travel advisory issued on May 20, 2024, by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti, details the current status and regulations for traveling on the Darcha-Shinkula-Zanskar road. The road is open, but on May 21, 2024, it will allow only one-way traffic from Darcha to Shinkula for 4×4 vehicles, trucks, 4×2 vehicles, and bikes between 07:00 AM and 02:00 PM. Traffic will be managed on alternate days, and no cars will be permitted during rainfall or snowfall. Travelers must comply with specified guidelines, avoid unnecessary stops between Darcha and Kargyak, and proceed at their own risk. Given the inclement weather and the risks of avalanches or rockfalls, travelers should exercise caution. In case of snowfall, they are advised to seek shelter immediately. Hotel and homestay owners are also urged to inform their guests.
The District Disaster Management Authority of Lahaul and Spiti has released a travel advisory for the NH-03 Manali-Leh Highway, effective from May 20, 2024. The highway is open, but vehicle movement is regulated and allowed on alternate days. Starting May 21, 2024, 4×4 vehicles, 4×2 vehicles with chains, and heavy vehicles, including trucks, are permitted to travel one way from Darcha to Sarchu between 07:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Motorcycles are currently not allowed. On May 22, 2024, vehicles can travel only from Sarchu to Darcha. Travel conditions will depend on weather and road status. Vehicles must adhere to specified guidelines and avoid unnecessary stops between Darcha and Sarchu. Travelers should be cautious due to potential avalanches or rockfalls and are advised to seek shelter immediately in case of snowfall. Hotel and homestay owners should inform their guests of these conditions.
Neha Kumari is a promising Himachal Pradesh Weather Expert to the world of journalism, offering a fresh perspective on the Weather events of Himachal Pradesh. As a reporter for Diary Times, she has Experience of More than 5 years As a Intern At Skymet Weather Services to providing accurate and insightful coverage of the Weather report. With her passion for covering and commitment to factual reporting, I strives to bring readers the most reliable Weather news from the ground level.