Monsoon loses vigour, HP braces for inclement weather; yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning & hailstorm
IMD Pic.
Monsoon loses vigour, HP braces for inclement weather; yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning & hailstorm
Shimla, June 22,
Even as the Southwest Monsoon has temporarily lost momentum over the country, Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience a spell of unsettled weather during the next five days, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions in the lower hills and plains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph at isolated places in the state from June 22 to June 26. The warning is mainly for mid and low hill districts, where thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify during the coming days.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, light to moderate rainfall was reported at isolated places during the past 24 hours, with Jot in Chamba district recording the highest rainfall of 22.8 mm, followed by Slapper 14.3 mm and Dhaulakuan 9 mm. Shimla received 3 mm rainfall and also witnessed hailstorm activity, while thunderstorms and lightning were reported from Sundernagar, Kangra, Shimla, Jot and Murari Devi.
Also Read Below-Normal monsoon forecast for most of Himachal, says IMD
Though the monsoon has advanced further into parts of central India, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar, its progress towards northwestern India has slowed temporarily. Meanwhile, a western disturbance over northwest Punjab and a seasonal trough extending from Rajasthan to Bihar are influencing weather conditions over the western Himalayas.
The weather office has forecast light to moderate rain at a few places across Himachal Pradesh between June 22 and June 26. Low hill districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur are likely to witness increasing rainfall activity from June 24 onwards, while districts such as Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra and Chamba may experience intermittent showers throughout the period. High hill areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are also expected to receive light rain or snowfall at isolated locations.
The yellow alert covers Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts on June 22, with isolated hailstorm activity likely in parts of Mandi and Shimla. Similar thunderstorm and lightning activity is expected to continue over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi during the subsequent four days, while Sirmaur may also witness thunderstorms on June 24.
The anticipated rainfall is expected to provide relief from soaring temperatures. During the last 24 hours, Paonta Sahib recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 39 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in many low hill areas remained between 33 and 39 degrees Celsius. The IMD has forecast a fall of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures across many parts of the state during the next 24 hours, followed by stable weather conditions thereafter.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity. Strong winds may uproot weak structures, damage power and communication lines and reduce visibility on roads. Hailstorms could also affect standing crops and fruit orchards. People have been advised not to take shelter under trees, avoid water bodies during lightning and stay indoors when thunderstorms occur.
The approaching spell of rain is likely to bring pleasant weather across the hill state and offer respite to residents and tourists alike after several days of hot and humid conditions in the lower and mid-hill regions.
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.