Shimla, May 27,
An abnormal heatwave continues to grip the mid and foothills of Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures soaring five to six degrees above normal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert as a result.
Popular tourist destinations, including Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, and Kufri, are seeing heavy footfall. This influx of tourists has led to long queues of cabs and significant traffic jams.
The IMD has advised people to stay vigilant against the unprecedented heatwave and the risk of sunstroke. On Sunday, Una recorded a scorching 44.4 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees above the norm. Similarly, Bilaspur and Hamirpur experienced maximum temperatures of 43 and 42 degrees, respectively, about six degrees higher than usual.
The sudden temperature spike has caused an increase in the discharge from glacial rivers. Snowline areas are also showing signs of inclement weather and summer showers. The IMD reported windstorms in Tabo in Spiti Valley with speeds of 53 km/h, Reckong Peo at 51 km/h, Nauni in Solan at 50 km/h, and Mashobra at 44 km/h.
Manali experienced one millimeter of rain last night, but the sky remains mostly clear. The unrelenting sunshine is causing scorching heatwaves across many parts of the state. Despite a western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation, there appears to be no immediate relief from the dry and intense heat.
The IMD predicts continued heatwave conditions in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan, and Kangra districts.
This alarming rise in temperatures in the Northwestern Himalayas is unprecedented for this season. The record-high temperatures are causing a cascade of problems, including frequent forest fires and water shortages, which are severely impacting daily life. Tourists are flocking to the hill stations to escape the intense heatwave, but this is leading to further challenges such as sunstroke and dehydration among visitors.
The state is experiencing a perilous situation due to the abnormal heatwave. The all-time high temperatures, several notches above the usual, are straining resources and affecting the environment. Forest fires are becoming more frequent, and water scarcity is a growing concern, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents and tourists alike.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that the heatwave will persist, making it crucial for everyone in the affected regions to take necessary precautions. Staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and being mindful of heat-related illnesses are essential steps to ensure safety during this extreme weather event.
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