Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: Shimla, Kangra, Una Face Heatwave Conditions; Rain and Hail Likely Soon

Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: Himachal Pradesh is witnessing intense heatwave-like conditions in several districts, including Shimla, Una, Kangra, and Solan. The Meteorological Department has now issued an orange alert for thunderstorms

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Heatwave Conditions Intensify Across Himachal Pradesh

Several parts of Himachal Pradesh continued to experience severe heat on Thursday as strong sunlight pushed temperatures well above normal levels. Heatwave conditions were reported in Shimla, Una, Kangra, and Solan, where maximum temperatures were recorded nearly five degrees Celsius above average.

Una remained one of the hottest places in the state with a maximum temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous day. However, it stayed below the record 46 degrees Celsius recorded on May 29, 2024.

Shimla also witnessed unusually warm weather. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius, which remained close to last year’s high of 31.7 degrees Celsius. Across the state, eight locations registered temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius, showing how unusually hot the weather has become even in hill regions.

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Orange Alert Issued for Thunderstorms and Hailstorms

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, a western disturbance is expected to become active on May 22 and 23. Due to this weather system, districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla are likely to witness strong winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning that wind speeds could reach up to 40 kilometres per hour in some areas. Higher reaches of the state may also receive rainfall and light snowfall during this period.

Officials believe the change in weather could provide temporary relief from the intense heat affecting both plains and hilly areas. Meanwhile, tourists from neighbouring states continue to visit Himachal Pradesh in large numbers to escape the extreme heat conditions in northern India’s plains.

Why Heatwave-Like Conditions Are Increasing in Himachal

Senior scientist Sandeep Kumar from the Meteorological Centre explained that the IMD follows specific standards before officially declaring a heatwave. In plain regions, a heatwave is declared when temperatures touch 40 degrees Celsius or rise 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. A severe heatwave is declared if temperatures rise 6.5 degrees or more above average.

For hilly regions such as Shimla and Kalpa, the threshold is lower. If temperatures cross 30 degrees Celsius and remain significantly above normal, heatwave conditions may be declared.

Experts say lower areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi, have been recording unusually high temperatures in recent years. Climate change, reduced rainfall, and increasing forest fires are being considered major reasons behind the rising heat in the hill state.

Key Temperatures Recorded in Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla: 30.5°C

Sundernagar: 39.8°C

Dharamshala: 36.0°C

Kangra: 38.4°C

Una: 44.3°C

Solan: 36.0°C

Nahan: 38.7°C

Kelong: 21.0°C