Heatwave conditions intensified across several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, with the mercury soaring well above normal in the mid and low hill areas. The weather department has issued orange and yellow alerts for May 22.
Highest Temperatures Recorded
Una remained the hottest place in the state at 44.3 degrees Celsius, which is 5.8 degrees above normal. It was followed by Neri in Hamirpur, which recorded 41 degrees Celsius, and Sundernagar touched 39.9 degrees Celsius. Mandi, Nahan and Kangra also witnessed sweltering conditions, with maximum temperatures of 38.8 degrees, 38.7 degrees and 38.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Temperature Anomalies
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, maximum temperatures across most stations were 4 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. Dry weather prevailed across the state in the past 24 hours, with no rainfall recorded anywhere in the state.
Hill Station Temperatures
Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees above normal. Dharamshala touched 36.1 degrees Celsius, 4.3 degrees above normal. Manali recorded a maximum temperature of 28.6 degrees Celsius, 2.9 degrees above normal.
Minimum Temperatures
The minimum temperatures also remained above normal at most places in the state. Palampur recorded a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, 6.5 degrees above normal. Shimla registered 20.6 degrees Celsius, 4.7 degrees above normal. Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti district was the coldest place in the state at 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Weather Alerts
Meanwhile, the Met Department issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail, gusty winds and lightning in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts. A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of the districts except Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti on May 22.
