Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, May 10
Meteorological Centre Shimla has issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh warning of thunderstorm, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph at isolated places during the next three days, keeping the state administration and disaster management authorities on alert.
According to the weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a fresh Western Disturbance is becoming active over the western Himalayan region which is likely to trigger widespread weather activity across the hill state from May 11 onwards. The forecast indicates light to moderate rain and snowfall at many places in the state on May 12, 13 and 14, while isolated rainfall activity is expected on May 11 and 15.
The IMD has warned that districts including Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, Solan and Sirmaur are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms and strong winds between May 12 and 14. Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, intensifying up to 60 kmph, may damage vulnerable structures, uproot weak hoardings and affect power and communication lines.
The weather office stated that sustained winds of 40-50 kmph are also likely in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts during May 12 and 13. Mid and low hill areas are expected to remain particularly vulnerable to hailstorm activity which may damage standing crops and fruit orchards.
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Authorities have sounded precautionary advisories asking people to avoid taking shelter under trees, remain indoors during thunderstorms and keep away from water bodies and electric conductors. Residents have also been advised to unplug electronic appliances during lightning activity and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the partly cloudy and hazy weather prevailing across many parts of the state has reduced visibility in several hill areas. Despite the forecast of inclement weather, pleasant climatic conditions have brought a massive surge in tourist arrivals to major hill destinations including Shimla and Manali.
Long queues of vehicles were witnessed entering Shimla and Manali during the weekend as tourists from northern plains rushed towards the hills to escape the sweltering heatwave conditions prevailing in neighbouring states. Traffic congestion was reported on major approach roads leading to Shimla, Kufri and Manali as hotels and tourist destinations witnessed heavy footfall.
The state hospitality industry, which had remained under stress due to comparatively poor tourist inflow in recent months, is now witnessing a revival. Hotel operators and tourism stakeholders said the pleasant day and night temperatures have revived memories of the traditional summer tourist rush once associated with Shimla during earlier decades.
Weather conditions across the state remained comparatively cooler on Sunday with maximum temperatures staying two to three degrees below normal at many places. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 37.2 degrees Celsius, while Shimla recorded a pleasant 21.5 degrees Celsius and Manali 24.8 degrees Celsius. Chamba remained significantly cooler with the maximum temperature settling 6.7 degrees below normal.
The IMD bulletin stated that maximum temperatures are likely to fall gradually by 2-5 degrees Celsius over many parts of the state during the next two to three days owing to widespread rain and thunderstorm activity. Minimum temperatures are also expected to decline by 2-3 degrees Celsius after the next 24 hours.
As per the district-level forecast, light to moderate rainfall is likely at many places in middle and high hill regions including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba on May 12 and 13, while high altitude areas may also witness light snowfall activity.
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