Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 40 km per hour in five districts, including Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Bilaspur and Solan, on Friday (May 2, 2025).
The alert comes amid a broader yellow warning issued across most of the state, indicating inclement weather conditions, including thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected to persist until May 8.
Hailstorm, winds damage crops in several parts
Last night’s weather activity brought hailstorms to several parts of the state, including Jubbal in Shimla district, where apple orchards sustained damage.
Widespread rainfall was recorded across regions like Solan (39 mm), Ghaghas (33.8 mm) and Bilaspur (26 mm), with hail also reported in Mandi, Kullu, Dharamshala and other areas.
The unexpected rain has hurt fruit crops, flowering plants, and wheat harvesting activities. Farmers have reported damage to apple blossoms, stone fruits, peas and standing wheat crops.
However, many in the farming community welcomed the rainfall as a lifeline for cash crops, especially in drought-prone areas. “The rain is a blessing for vegetables and pulses,” a farmer from Solan said.
Cold conditions return, temperatures plunge
The rainfall brought a sharp drop in temperatures across the state. Shimla, Solan, Mandi and Nahan recorded below-normal maximum temperatures while Chamba saw a 7.2°C drop, settling at 29.2°C.
Tourist hotspots like Narkanda and Kufri also saw their day temperatures fall by 4.7°C and 4°C, respectively. Minimum temperatures have dipped by 2-5°C in several areas, forcing residents to pull out woollens once again.
Fresh snowfall was also reported from high-altitude passes like Rohtang while dense fog and intermittent showers kept many low and mid-hill towns under a cold spell.
According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, the inclement weather is expected to continue, with moderate to heavy rainfall likely on May 5 and 6, particularly in mid and lower hill areas. Wind speeds could reach 50-60 km/h, especially during thunderstorms.
A yellow alert has been issued on Friday for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur and Shimla, with isolated hailstorm activity possible in Shimla and Sirmaur.
TNR News Network
