Heavy rain and hailstorm activity affected several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for multiple districts, including Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Hamirpur.
Parts of Shimla witnessed intense rainfall during the day, while hailstorms were reported from several locations across the state. The IMD warned of thunderstorms, light to moderate rainfall and hailstorm activity at isolated places, particularly in Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur and Shimla districts.
Speaking to ANI, Shobhit Katiyar, Head of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, said weather conditions remained largely dry across most parts of the state over the past 24 hours, with only isolated light rainfall recorded.
“Today, light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at isolated places in Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur and Shimla districts. There is also a possibility of hailstorm activity at a few locations. Keeping this in view, an orange alert has been issued for Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Shimla districts,” Katiyar said.
He identified Hamirpur, adjoining areas of Mandi and parts of Shimla as the most vulnerable regions likely to experience adverse weather conditions during the day.
The IMD, however, indicated that no major weather disturbances are expected between June 16 and June 20. Light rain and thunderstorms may continue intermittently over lower and mid-hill regions during this period.
A yellow alert has also been issued for June 18 and 19 for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts due to the possibility of thunderstorms.
The recent spell of rainfall has significantly lowered temperatures across Himachal Pradesh. According to the IMD, temperatures dropped by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius in several areas over the past few days. However, with rainfall activity weakening, temperatures have begun rising again.
Katiyar said several locations recorded a temperature increase of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius on June 14, bringing conditions back to near-normal levels. He added that temperatures in districts such as Una and Bilaspur could cross the 40-degree Celsius mark over the next three days.
On the monsoon front, the IMD said the southwest monsoon is progressing normally across the country. As of June 15, it has covered southern peninsular India, the northeastern states and parts of eastern India.
“Himachal Pradesh is usually covered by the southwest monsoon around June 25, and current conditions indicate that its arrival is likely to remain on schedule,” Katiyar said.
The IMD said it is closely monitoring weather developments and will continue issuing updates regarding rainfall activity and the monsoon’s advance into the hill state.
