Shimla: Light to moderate rainfall in the low and mid hills, along with light snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, brought temperatures down across the state on Friday, providing much-needed relief from the scorching heat.
Rain and Snowfall Details
Rainfall occurred in parts of Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Una, Shimla, and Chamba districts, while high-altitude areas received snowfall. Many tourists were caught in a snowstorm that swept across Rohtang Pass on Friday morning, and several vehicles, mostly taxis, were stranded on the road due to the sudden snowfall.
Temperature Drops
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the average maximum temperature across Himachal dropped by 6.3 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours. Bhuntar recorded the steepest fall, with a drop of 11.7 degrees Celsius, as the maximum temperature settled at 24.1 degrees Celsius. Manali saw a decline of 9.8 degrees Celsius, with the day temperature settling at 18.8 degrees Celsius. Sundernagar registered a drop of 8.7 degrees Celsius, with the maximum temperature settling at 31.2 degrees Celsius. Shimla also witnessed a fall of 5.5 degrees Celsius, as the maximum temperature remained at 25 degrees Celsius. Mandi, Solan, and Kangra recorded maximum temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius, 30 degrees Celsius, and 33.3 degrees Celsius, respectively, after notable declines. Una remained the hottest place in the state at 38 degrees Celsius, a drop of 6.3 degrees Celsius in 24 hours, followed by Nahan at 36.7 degrees Celsius and Dharamshala at 35 degrees Celsius.
Lowest Minimum Temperature
Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 5.7 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Weather Alert
Meanwhile, the weather department issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts on May 23.
