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Himachal wet weather spell likely till March 16 as IMD forecasts Rain, Snow and Thunderstorms
Shimla, March 10,
After an unusually warm and dry start to March, a fresh wet weather spell is expected to hit Himachal Pradesh over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting rain, snowfall and thunderstorms across parts of the state till March 16.
According to the IMD’s latest national weather bulletin issued on March 10, scattered to isolated rainfall and snowfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh between March 10 and March 16 under the influence of western disturbances moving across the Western Himalayan region.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–50 kmph are also likely at isolated locations in the state on March 11–12 and again between March 14 and March 16.
The weather office has further warned of isolated hailstorm activity in Himachal Pradesh on March 11 and March 12, which could impact horticulture and standing crops in some areas.
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Temperatures unusually high before the wet spell
The forecast comes amid unseasonably high temperatures across Himachal Pradesh, with the IMD noting that day temperatures are likely to remain above normal by 5–7°C over Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh during the next few days.
In fact, parts of the state have already experienced heat-like conditions for early March, with several stations recording temperatures well above seasonal averages following a prolonged dry spell.
However, IMD expects that temperatures across the Western Himalayan region may gradually fall by around 5–6°C over the next week as precipitation activity increases.
Seasonal outlook: warmer spring but limited rainfall
Even as intermittent wet spells are expected this month, the longer-range seasonal outlook suggests Himachal may experience warmer-than-normal conditions during the March–May hot weather season.
The IMD’s seasonal outlook issued by its Shimla Meteorological Centre indicates a 45–75% probability that minimum temperatures across most parts of Himachal Pradesh will remain above normal during the March–May period, while maximum temperatures also show a 55–75% probability of staying above normal.
Rainfall outlook for March, however, is less encouraging. The forecast suggests many parts of Himachal Pradesh may receive below-normal rainfall during the month, though districts like Kinnaur, Shimla and Sirmaur could see near-normal precipitation.
The IMD has advised residents and farmers to stay alert as thunderstorms, hail and strong winds may cause damage to crops, orchards, power lines and vulnerable structures.
Farmers in the state have also been advised to use protective measures such as hail nets in orchards and ensure adequate irrigation for wheat and early vegetable crops during periods of high temperature.
With fluctuating temperatures and intermittent precipitation expected over the coming week, the weather office has urged people to monitor forecasts closely and avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorm activity.
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