Himachal Weather Update: Isolated heat waves are expected in several districts, light rain might also occur in others.

Today in Himachal Pradesh, a mix of partly cloudy skies and light rain characterizes the weather, with Shimla experiencing cooler temperatures and reduced visibility. While isolated heat waves are expected in several districts, light rain might also occur in others. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has issued a public health advisory due to extreme heat conditions, urging residents to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated. Over the past 24 hours, light rain and thunderstorms touched parts of the region, leaving the lower hills dry and bringing rain and snow to the higher elevations. The weather remains variable across the state, with Keylong being the coolest spot and Kangra the hottest. Clear skies in Lahaul and Spiti ensure smooth travel, though some roads remain closed. Amid these conditions, it is crucial to stay informed and safe.

Also Read | Himachal Weather Update: A Heatwave is expected to affect many districts in the coming days.

Today in Himachal Pradesh, the weather is a mix of partly cloudy skies and light rain in some areas. In Shimla, the summer capital, the sky is partly cloudy, causing dim sunlight, cooler temperatures, and lower visibility. Heat waves might hit isolated spots in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur. There’s also a chance of light rain in parts of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kangra, and Kullu.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, along with the Disaster Management Cell at the H.P. Secretariat in Shimla, DD News Himachal, All India Radio News Shimla, and the District Disaster Management Authority in Mandi, has issued a public health advisory due to extreme heat and heatwave conditions. Everyone must take necessary precautions to stay safe and cool during this period.

Also Read | Himachal Weather Update: Yellow Alert issued in More than Eight Districts of Himachal Pradesh

As extreme heat and heatwave conditions prevail, a public health advisory emphasizes the importance of staying safe and hydrated. Everyone should drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty, and carry water when traveling. It’s beneficial to consume hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber and drinks like lemon water and buttermilk. Wear loose, light-colored clothing and protect your head from the sun. Stay indoors in cool, ventilated spaces, and keep windows and curtains closed during the day to block heat. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions, need special attention. Outdoor activities should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day. Keeping homes cool and monitoring health can help mitigate the risks of extreme heat.

 

As extreme heat conditions continue, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to stay protected. Avoid going out in the sun between noon and 3 PM, and steer clear of strenuous activities during the afternoon. Don’t walk barefoot or cook during peak heat hours without proper ventilation. Stay away from alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary drinks, and avoid high-protein or stale foods. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles as temperatures inside can become dangerously high.

For employers and workers, ensure drinking water is readily available and encourage frequent hydration. Provide shaded areas for outdoor workers and schedule tasks for cooler times of the day. Increase the frequency and length of breaks, and make sure everyone is acclimatized to the heat. Workers should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and be trained to recognize heat stress symptoms. Organize awareness campaigns and ensure first aid is accessible. During mass gatherings or sports events, stay hydrated, keep cool, and be aware of heat-related illness symptoms. Proper precautions can help everyone stay safe in these extreme temperatures.

 

As the temperature rises, it’s crucial to be aware of the health risks associated with extreme heat. When temperatures soar, our bodies can overheat, leading to heat stress and related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, and even heatstroke. It’s important to stay alert for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, extreme thirst, and a rapid heartbeat. If you or someone else shows signs of heat stress, move to a cooler place, drink water, and seek medical attention if needed. Remember, heatstroke is a serious medical emergency characterized by confusion, hot and dry skin, and a body temperature above 104°F. Immediate action, like calling emergency services and cooling the person down, can be lifesaving. Stay hydrated and cool to prevent heat-related illnesses.

 

In the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh saw light rain and thunderstorms in some areas. The lower hills like Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, and parts of Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur stayed dry and are expected to stay dry tomorrow as well. The middle hills, including Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi, had rain in some spots. The higher hills, like Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu, experienced isolated rain and snow. Temperatures remained stable and above normal both day and night. Kukumseri was the coldest at 6.2°C, while Una was the hottest at 42.4°C. Hail was reported in Bilaspur.

 

There was no significant snowfall today, but several areas received rain. The most rainfall was in Rahgrah with 1.1mm, while Shimla AERO recorded the least at 0.5mm. Other places like Baijanath, Shimla, and Kufri also got light rain.

 

Today, Keylong is the coolest place at 19°C with a high 99% chance of rain. Kufri is warmer at 20.3°C with a 45% chance of rain. Shimla is at 26°C with a 53% chance of rain. Chamba and Sundernagar are warm, with Chamba at 34.8°C and Sundernagar at 32.8°C, both having a moderate chance of rain. Kangra is the hottest at 31.7°C but has only a 1% chance of rain.

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As of May 22, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the weather across Lahaul and Spiti is clear, ensuring smooth travel through most areas. Keylong, Kaza, Sumdo, Udaipur, Tindi, Sissu, North Portal, and South Portal all report clear skies and open roads. Key routes like the ATR North Portal towards Darcha and the SKTT road from Tandi to Kadhu nallah are accessible, and the route from Sumdo to Losar is open as well. However, the road from Losar to Gramphu remains closed. The Darcha-Shinkula-Padum-Kargil road is accessible with advisories in place, and the Darcha-Sarchu road is also open under advisories. Travelers should heed local advisories for safe journeys.

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