April 7–8 Weather Threat: Rain, Snow, 60 kmph winds put Himachal on alert
Shimla, April 5,
A fresh spell of hazardous weather is set to hit Himachal Pradesh between April 7 and 8, with the India Meteorological Department warning of rain, snowfall, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph, raising concerns over travel disruption, power outages and safety in vulnerable regions.
The alert comes even as widespread rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours have already disrupted normal life across several districts. Higher reaches in Lahaul-Spiti continue to reel under winter-like conditions, with Gondhla recording 28.5 cm of snowfall and Keylong receiving 20 cm, while mid and lower hills witnessed steady rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Shimla, Kangra and Sundernagar. Isolated hailstorms have further compounded the situation, making roads slippery and reducing visibility.
The ongoing spell has also pulled down maximum temperatures by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal across the state, adding to the chill in early April. Meteorologists attribute the current activity to an active Western Disturbance over central Pakistan and adjoining Punjab, supported by an upper-air cyclonic circulation.
What has heightened concern is the arrival of a fresh Western Disturbance from April 7, expected to intensify weather activity across the state. The department has flagged April 7 and 8 as a high-risk window, with widespread precipitation likely across most districts, particularly in mid and low hill regions including Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur.
Also read:<Himachal hot weather outlook: Early heatwave signals warm Summer ahead/p>
The forecast warns of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds that could damage infrastructure, disrupt power supply and pose risks to commuters. With roads already wet and higher reaches witnessing fresh snowfall, the possibility of accidents and traffic disruptions remains high.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather activity and strictly follow advisories, especially in snow-bound and landslide-prone areas, as Himachal braces for another round of unstable and potentially disruptive weather.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.