The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for hailstorms in several districts of Himachal Pradesh, indicating an expected increase in weather activity due to an approaching western disturbance. According to Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the weather has remained predominantly dry across the state over the past 24 hours, but significant changes are anticipated later today.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma stated that while Himachal Pradesh experienced clear weather conditions recently, a weather system will start influencing the area from this evening. He mentioned that a fresh western disturbance is projected to reach the state by late night, affecting districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Shimla.

Light rainfall is expected to commence in isolated areas by evening, subsequently intensifying overnight, as noted by Sharma. This shift in weather patterns may lead to varying degrees of precipitation across the mentioned districts.

Details of the Orange Alert for Hailstorm

The IMD has specifically issued an orange alert for hailstorm conditions in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. Sharma confirmed the potential for hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms particularly in the Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla areas. These alerts serve as a precautionary measure for residents in these districts.

On April 17, further weather impacts are expected, with light to moderate rainfall forecasted for a number of districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. Thunderstorm activity is also anticipated during this time, prompting attention from local authorities and residents alike.

The IMD has broadened the alert to include plains and mid-hill districts, cautioning against the likelihood of thunderstorms and lightning activity. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve after April 18; however, cloud cover and light rainfall may continue in mid-hill areas such as Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi.

Temperature Trends and Rainfall Statistics

Current temperature observations indicate a rise across Himachal Pradesh, with temperatures now measuring higher than the seasonal norm. According to Sharma, maximum temperatures have risen approximately 1-2 degrees Celsius over the last 24 hours and are currently 2-3 degrees above normal levels. Districts like Kangra and Shimla recorded temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Moreover, it is noted that in districts like Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra, temperatures reached around 32 degrees Celsius. There is an expectation that temperatures may escalate further over the next 24 hours, with no significant downturn anticipated, even amidst changes in weather conditions.

In terms of overall rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has experienced significantly higher precipitation during April. The state has recorded an excess of approximately 65 per cent rainfall thus far this month. However, only Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur have seen below-normal rainfall levels, while most districts have reported normal to above-normal precipitation.

Sharma highlighted that previous spells of western disturbances had already triggered hailstorm activity in susceptible areas. Vulnerable locations such as Kangra, Mandi, Palampur, and parts of Shimla and Kullu had experienced hailstorms earlier in the month, and similar conditions may arise due to the active weather system’s influence in the coming days.

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