DHARAMSHALA: The Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged spell of rain across several parts of Himachal Pradesh over the coming week, accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds in select areas.
An orange alert has been issued for May 24 and 25 in seven districts, warning of potential disruption due to gusty winds and hail.
According to the IMD’s regional centre in Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts will be under an orange alert for the next two days. These areas may witness hailstorms and wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 kmph. Elsewhere in the state, a yellow alert remains in effect.
Scattered showers began around 3 pm on Wednesday, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Heavy rainfall and hail were reported in Palampur and Kangra, causing damage to crops and knocking down fruit from mango trees. Similar conditions were recorded in Bangana (Una), with intense afternoon showers and hail.
Rain likely to persist across hills and plains
From May 21 to 23, light rainfall is expected at isolated locations in the mid-hill, low-hill and plain regions of the state. The IMD further anticipates light to moderate rainfall from May 24 to 27 in the same regions, with chances of light snow or rain in some high-altitude areas.
Over the past 24 hours, 24 mm of rain was witnessed in Palampur, 20.4 mm in Raipur Maidan, 8 mm in Jogindernagar and 7.8 mm in Sujanpur Tira.
Temperature fluctuations expected over the week
Temperatures are expected to fluctuate over the next week. The maximum temperature is forecast to rise gradually by 3-4°C in parts of the state over the next three days before cooling by 2-3°C thereafter. Minimum temperatures are also expected to increase by 2-3°C over the next five days, followed by a slight decline in some areas.
The maximum temperature of 39.6°C was recorded in Una, followed by 37.5°C Bilaspur, 37.7°C Neri, 37°C Kangra, 36.8°C Hamirpur, 36.5°C Sundernagar, 35.8°C Dhaula Kuan, 35.6°C Mandi, 34.1°C Dharamshala, 33.9°C Nahan, 33.6°C Solan, 28.4°C Manali and 27.6 in Shimla.
Pallavi Sharma
