Shimla, May 26
Himachal Pradesh is in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with Una hitting a scorching 44.4°C on Sunday, the highest temperature recorded in the state this season.
The Meteorological Department reported that the mercury soared to seasonal highs in several towns across the state. Six towns experienced temperatures exceeding 41°C. Shimla recorded 30.6°C, which is 4.8 degrees above normal and the highest for the season. In other regions, Keylong in Lahaul Spiti recorded 22.4°C, Kalpa in Kinnaur 24.6°C, and Manali 28.7°C.
Una, which had recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2°C on May 23, 2023, reached 44.4°C on Sunday. Other high temperatures included Bilaspur at 43°C, Dhaulakuan at 42.8°C, Hamirpur at 42°C, Berthin at 41.5°C, and both Kangra and Chamba at 40°C each. Additionally, Nahan in Sirmour, Mandi, and Sundernagar recorded 39°C, while Dharamshala reached 35.5°C.
Tourist destinations also felt the heat, with Manali recording 28.7°C, Kufri 26°C, Narkanda 25°C, Dalhousie 27°C, Kasauli 35.4°C, Bhuntar airport 37.4°C, and Jubbarhatti 34.8°C.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for extreme heatwave conditions in parts of Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmour, urging residents to take necessary precautions against the severe heat.
