Shimla, June 14
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing another peak in maximum temperatures and heatwaves this summer. The maximum temperature in Neri, Hamirpur, reached 45.5 degrees Celsius, while Shimla hit 31 degrees Celsius for the second time this season.
According to the Meteorological Department, this is the longest heatwave spell on record, with temperatures climbing to unprecedented levels. Neri recorded the highest temperature in Hamirpur district at 45.5 degrees, while Una reached 43.2 degrees today.
Historically, Una’s highest recorded temperature was 45.2 degrees on May 23, 2013, and it reached an all-time high of 46 degrees on May 29, 2024. However, no previous records for Neri are available, making today’s temperature the highest for this season.
In Shimla, the temperature hit 31 degrees today, just shy of the 31.6 degrees recorded on May 29, 2024. The highest temperature recorded in Shimla for May was 32.4 degrees on May 27, 2010. Typically, Shimla experiences rainfall when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, but this year, the prolonged heatwave has resulted in mostly dry weather, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees six times and surpassing 31 degrees twice.
Nine locations recorded temperatures above 40 degrees today: Dhaulakuna in Sirmour (43.2 degrees), Bilaspur (42.9 degrees), Hamirpur (41.9 degrees), Kangra (41.2 degrees), Berthin (41 degrees), Sundernagar (40.8 degrees), Chamba and Mandi (40.3 degrees), and Nahan (40 degrees).
Tourist resorts also experienced high temperatures: Kufri (26 degrees), Narkanda (26.9 degrees), Bhuntar airport (28.4 degrees), Jubberhati (34.8 degrees), Solan (34.6 degrees), Dalhousie (28 degrees), and Dharmshala (36.6 degrees).
The coldest temperatures were recorded in Keylong, Lahaul Spiti (20.4 degrees), and Kalpa, Kinnaur (26 degrees).
The prolonged heatwave is attributed to the early monsoon prediction, potentially breaking previous heatwave records. The National Capital Region, including Delhi, Shimla, and other towns in Northwest India, are experiencing a dry spell, with many areas facing severe water shortages.
Drought conditions in the tomato and off-season vegetable belts in Shimla and Solan districts may lead to skyrocketing vegetable prices due to poor sowing and insufficient irrigation water. The sudden influx of tourists in Shimla and nearby hill stations has also increased water demand, impacting local consumption and irrigation.
There are reports of mite outbreaks and fruit drop diseases, exacerbated by the prolonged dry spell in June. Nine districts were hit by the heatwave today, with maximum temperatures five to six degrees above normal. Minimum temperatures were also two to three degrees above normal, but cold winds at night and in the early morning provided some respite.
The heatwave is expected to continue for another week, with the IMD forecasting mainly dry weather for most places in the next 24 hours. However, isolated places in Chamba, Kullu, and Shimla districts may experience lightning, thunderstorms, and light rain in the next 24 hours.
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