Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
May twist: Record rain and bone-chilling cold grip Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, May 31
The hill state received record 325 percent rainfall and Mercury plummeted to all time low in the last seven days. May, typically a month of blooming flowers and gentle breezes, has transformed into a rain-soaked spectacle for the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. Within a mere seven days, from May 24th to 30th, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed an astonishing 325% more rainfall than the usual average. And the surprises don’t end there! From May 1st to 30th, the region has experienced an impressive 84% surplus of rain compared to the expected norm.
Unprecedented rainfall and bone-chilling temperatures have defied the norms of this season, leaving both locals and tourists in awe. Sirmaur takes the spotlight with an astounding 295% surge in weekly rainfall, submerging the area and leaving it waterlogged. Solan e not far behind, witnessing rainfall excesses of 256% , respectively.
This is no ordinary May shower; it’s an extravaganza of rain! IMD said that earlier to this state never had so much rain in the previous 19 years in the month of May which is due to back to back WDs.
Also read: Himachal Pradesh battles untimely severe weather conditions
The state, accustomed to an average rainfall of 12.9 mm from May 24th to 30th, has been inundated with a staggering 54.9 mm this time around. Furthermore, against the normal rainfall of 63.3 mm from May 1st to 30th, Himachal Pradesh has experienced an astonishing 116.8 mm of rain.
The persistent rainfall has even dropped down the temperatures. Dr. Surendra Paul, director of the Meteorological Center Shimla, said that due to continuous rains in the month of May, there has been a huge drop in the temperature. A drop of up to seven degrees has been recorded in the maximum temperature across the state. Apart from this, the minimum temperature has also dropped by four degrees.
Tourists, caught off guard by these unexpected weather conditions, find themselves ill-prepared with their summer attire. They now struggle with cold temperatures during the mornings and evenings. The Meteorological Department advises visitors to don light warm clothing and exercise caution when venturing into high-altitude areas.
Meanwhile, relief from the rain seems unlikely in the coming days, as the Meteorological Department issues an orange alert for heavy rains in nine districts today, followed by a yellow alert for the next three days. Residents are warned of possible hailstorms and thunderstorms with winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. The rain continues to pour, leading to a continuous drop in temperature.
Keylong was the lowest temperature at a bone-chilling 4.8 degrees. Kalpa, Shimla, Kukumasiri, Bharmour, and Narkanda also experience significant drops in temperature. With today’s rainfall, temperatures are expected to plummet further.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents and tourists are urged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to cope with the extraordinary rainfall and bone-chilling cold.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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