The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for rain and hailstorms in several districts of Himachal Pradesh for the next two to three days.
Weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are expected to change significantly over the next few days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for hailstorms and rainfall in several parts of the state. According to the meteorological department, atmospheric instability caused by a western disturbance along with easterly winds is likely to trigger scattered rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms across the region.
The IMD centre in Shimla has warned that districts such as Kangra and Kullu are likely to experience hailstorms during the next two days. Dr. Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the IMD centre in Shimla, said that although the state has not recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, weather conditions are expected to change in the coming days.
Rain expected across large parts of the state
According to the forecast, scattered rainfall is expected across Himachal Pradesh during the next three days. Around fifty percent of the areas may experience light rainfall, while moderate rainfall is possible at one or two locations. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also likely to occur in several districts.
Weather officials have warned that wind speeds could reach up to 50–60 kilometres per hour during storm activity. Such conditions may lead to falling trees, disruption of electricity supply and damage to crops in certain areas. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and keep track of official weather updates.
Rainfall likely in nearly 75 percent of the state
Meteorologists have predicted that nearly seventy-five percent of Himachal Pradesh may experience rainfall of light to moderate intensity during the coming days. Rain activity is likely to continue at several weather stations throughout the week. Experts have also indicated that rainfall activity could increase again after May 29.
So far, Himachal Pradesh has received about 54 millimetres of rainfall during the month of May, which is slightly below the normal average of around 56 millimetres. Currently rainfall in the state is about three percent below the seasonal average. However, the upcoming rain spells are expected to help normalise the monthly rainfall figures.
Western disturbance influencing weather conditions
Meteorologists attribute the current weather activity to an intensifying western disturbance affecting northern India. Western disturbances are weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and move towards the Himalayan region, bringing rainfall, snowfall and stormy weather conditions.
In addition to the western disturbance, easterly winds are also contributing to atmospheric moisture in the region. This combination of weather systems is leading to unstable atmospheric conditions that can produce thunderstorms and hailstorms.
Monsoon arrival expected in late June
While the southwest monsoon has already advanced into parts of South India and the northeastern states, it is expected to take some more time to reach Himachal Pradesh. The normal arrival date of the monsoon in the state falls between June 24 and June 26. However, meteorologists say there is a possibility that the monsoon could arrive slightly earlier this year if current weather patterns continue.
Temperature likely to drop
Rainfall and cloud cover are expected to cause a drop in daytime temperatures across the region. The normal maximum temperature in many parts of Himachal Pradesh is around 25 degrees Celsius during this period. Recent temperatures have been slightly higher at around 26 degrees Celsius, but rainfall may reduce maximum temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius.
The IMD has advised residents and tourists to remain alert during adverse weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel in hilly areas during thunderstorms and hailstorms.
