Himachal Pradesh braces for inclement weather as IMD issues orange alert

Himachal Pradesh braces for inclement weather as IMD issues orange alert

Shimla, April 16

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the next five days in Himachal Pradesh, warning of inclement weather conditions. The alert predicts thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall, with the possibility of disruption to essential services and transportation.

According to the spokesperson of Shimla Met Office, the mid-hills and foothills of the state are likely to experience rainfall on April 18 and 19, with many areas in high reaches also affected.

The orange alert, which has been issued for April 18, warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms in isolated areas. Similarly, a yellow alert has been sounded from today until April 20, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms in isolated places.

Also read: Normal to below normal Southwest monsoon predicted for Himachal Pradesh and Northwestern Himalayan states: IMD

Reports indicate that hailstorms have already occurred in Koksar of Lahaul-Spiti, Jubbal in Shimla, and Bharmaur in Chamba district in the past 24 hours. Other areas, including Chamba, Sangla in Kinnuar, and Kasol of Kulku, have experienced light rain.

The IMD attributes the inclement weather to an active western disturbance that is likely to bring light to moderate rain or snow, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms to the region from April 17, 2023. The peak intensity of the weather is expected on April 18 and 19.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and adjoining areas during April 18 and 19. Light to moderate snowfall activity is also likely in higher reaches of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla, Kullu, and adjoining areas during this period.

The IMD advises farmers to take adequate measures to protect standing crops, fruit plants, and new plantings from hailstorms, including the use of anti-hail nets and other safety measures. They should avoid farming operations for the next 3-4 days in view of the inclement weather and follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the concerned department.

Tourists are advised to be careful, and people should avoid going to open areas due to the expected thunderstorms and poor visibility conditions in hilly districts, which can cause difficulty for commuters.

The average minimum temperatures are expected to remain above normal for the next 24-36 hours and fall by 2-3 degrees afterward, while the average maximum temperatures will be above normal during the next 24-36 hours in the state, followed by a significant drop.