Shimla, Apr 14,
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for yet another round of wet weather, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh Western Disturbance expected to impact the Western Himalayan region starting April 16. This system is likely to bring isolated rainfall, thunderstorms, and even hailstorm activity to several parts of the hill state, continuing the pattern of unsettled weather that has marked much of April.
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According to IMD, dry conditions are expected to prevail across Himachal Pradesh for the next two days, but the weather is set to turn unstable soon after. The forecast includes warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated locations from April 16 onwards, with a significant possibility of hailstorms on April 18 and 19. These developments follow recent rain showers, snowfall, and hail that disrupted the region earlier this month, causing challenges to infrastructure, including a temporary halt in snow clearance work on the Manali-Leh National Highway.
The last 24 hours have seen dry weather across the state, with no reported rainfall or fresh snowfall. However, a noticeable rise in temperatures was observed in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. Paonta Sahib recorded the highest maximum temperature at 35.0°C, indicating a swift temperature recovery post-rain spell. In contrast, Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti remained the coldest location with a minimum temperature of 2.3°C. Other key temperature readings include Shimla at 12.6°C, Manali at 9.6°C, Dharamshala at 15°C, Keylong at 2.7°C, Kalpa at 5.6°C, Kufri at 10.6°C, Solan at 12°C, Nahan at 15.8°C, and Una at 14.2°C.
Tourists and residents are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and follow official alerts issued by IMD, especially with the forecast indicating possible hailstorms which may disrupt travel and day-to-day activities. The tourism sector, which sees increased footfall during the spring season, may witness disruptions due to the instability in weather, particularly in higher altitude areas and along key travel routes.
Despite the temporary inconveniences, the recent snowfall and precipitation have brought a silver lining for the agricultural sector. The wet spell has helped improve the condition of Rabi crops and offered some respite from the drought-like situation and water shortages that had developed in several districts over the past few months.
With temperatures fluctuating and another wet spell on the horizon, Himachal Pradesh continues to navigate a dynamic and unpredictable spring season. Stakeholders in tourism, agriculture, and public safety are closely monitoring developments, as the state prepares for yet another meteorological twist this April.
