Shimla, May 1
Unseasonal and inclement weather conditions disrupted normal life across Himachal Pradesh and foiled the itinerary of President Droupadi Murmu as changes were forced in her within State travel plans. The President, who arrived in Shimla earlier this week, could not travel to Manali, Rohtang Pass and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University, Palampur on April 29 and 30 due to persistent rain, thunderstorms and poor visibility. She is, however, scheduled to visit ARTRAC in Shimla before returning to New Delhi.
The state witnessed widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms, particularly in Shimla, Jubbarhatti, Kangra and Bhuntar, while hail incidents were reported in Kufri and adjoining areas, as per the Meteorological Centre Shimla bulletin
The sudden weather change led to waterlogging, overflowing drains and slush on roads in Shimla and on the Jubbarhatti airport road, where soil erosion disrupted traffic movement. In Lahaul-Spiti, vehicular movement remained affected with several key roads closed, and a loaded truck narrowly escaped a mishap near Shinkula Pass.
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Temperatures dropped sharply across the state with maximum temperatures remaining below normal by 2 to 7 degrees Celsius. Among major tourist destinations, Shimla recorded 12.0°C minimum and 21.2°C maximum, Manali 8.1°C and 16.8°C, Dharamshala 18.8°C and 29.0°C, while Kalpa and Tabo remained colder at 5.8°C/16.5°C and 3.2°C/18.2°C respectively, Jubbarhatti at 13.4°C/26.2°C, Bhuntar at 11.5°C/23.4°C and Kangra at 16.7°C/31.6°C .
Jubbarhatti recorded the highest rainfall at 34 mm followed by Shimla 15.8 mm and Kasauli 11 mm. Moderate rainfall was also recorded in Nahan and other mid-hill regions. The precipitation, coupled with hailstorms, caused damage to standing wheat and barley crops in several districts .
Road connectivity in tribal areas remained fragile. Key stretches such as Gramphu–Batal and Darcha–Sarchu are still closed, while traffic on Shinkula Pass is restricted. Landslides, slush and water overflow further hampered vehicular movement in several parts of the state. Authorities have advised caution as another western disturbance is likely to affect the region from May 2, prolonging the spell of unstable weather. A loaded truck struck in a nallah in Manali Leh highway ar Shrinkhla pass.
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