Kullu: Light to moderate rainfall lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday amid an orange alert, keeping maximum temperatures across the state below normal. The meteorological centre in Shimla reported that the state's average maximum temperature dropped by 0.4°C over the past 24 hours, settling at 0.7°C below the seasonal normal.
Districts Affected
The rainfall covered multiple districts, including Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Una, Sirmaur, and Solan. The weather department has extended the orange alert into June 19, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds at isolated locations in districts including Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla.
Forecast for Coming Days
Looking ahead, meteorologists forecast continued light to moderate rain in the low and mid hills, alongside light snowfall at isolated spots in the higher reaches on June 20 and 21. This isolated rain and snowfall activity is expected to persist until June 24.
Temperature Drops
During Thursday's spell, Keylong registered the sharpest drop in maximum temperature, plunging by 2.9°C to become the state's coolest area at 18.3°C. Notable temperature declines were also recorded in Manali (down 2.7°C), Tabo (down 2°C), Una (down 1.6°C), and Bilaspur (down 1.5°C). Kukumseri recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 6.1°C.
Station-Wise Temperatures
Maximum temperatures remained subdued at most key stations, with Shimla recording 26.6°C, Manali 25.5°C, Dharamshala 32°C, Solan 31°C, Bhuntar 32.6°C, Sundernagar 33.9°C, Kufri 19.7°C, and Kalpa 24.8°C. Conversely, Neri in Hamirpur district logged the state's highest maximum temperature at 37.2°C, followed closely by Berthin at 35.4°C and Una at 35.2°C.
