Himachal Pradesh experiences record-breaking warmth with unseasonably high temperatures.
The unseasonal heat in Himachal Pradesh has continued into November, with temperatures reaching new highs across the state. November 1 witnessed record-breaking warmth, with areas like Kalpa, Chamba, Shimla, and Kangra reporting unusually high temperatures.
Kalpa recorded a maximum temperature of 23.6°C on Friday, close to its 1984 record of 24.5°C. Chamba also recorded a high of 30°C, the highest since 2010, while Shimla reached 22°C, a peak not seen since 2016.
On the first day of November, several cities in the state set new records. Hamirpur recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3°C, with Bilaspur, Dhaulakuan, Neri, Bhuntar, Una, and Kangra exceeding 30°C. According to the Shimla Meteorological Center, Kangra’s Friday temperature of 30.7°C surpassed its previous 2020 record of 28.4°C, while Solan reported 28.0°C, close to its 2020 high of 28.7°C.
Although evenings and mornings remain chilly, with Tabo’s minimum temperature at -2.5°C, Kukumseri at 0.6°C, and Keylong at 3.6°C, the maximum temperatures are much higher than average.
Historic Low Rainfall in October
October 2024 was notably dry, marking it as the third driest October in 123 years with 97% less rainfall than average. The state recorded just 0.7 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 25.1 mm. This scarcity of rain caused a pronounced dry spell, making it the driest October since 1901.
Weather Outlook
The Shimla Meteorological Center forecasts clear skies across the state until November 8, with maximum temperatures expected to remain high. On Friday, maximum temperatures were recorded as follows: Una at 32.0°C, Bilaspur at 32.3°C, Neri at 31.7°C, Dhaulakuan at 30.4°C, Bhuntar at 30.5°C, Chamba at 29.9°C, Solan at 28.0°C, Dharamshala at 27.0°C, Nahan at 26.8°C, and Keylong at 19.5°C.
