Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, experienced an unusually cold start to May this year, with temperatures falling below the normal range. The maximum temperature in the city on Monday was recorded at 22.4 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees below the seasonal average. Similarly, the minimum temperature settled at 11.2 degrees Celsius, two notches below the normal mark.
Weather Patterns and Impact
The unexpected chill has caught both residents and tourists off guard, as May typically marks the onset of summer in the region. The local meteorological office attributed this anomaly to a western disturbance affecting the western Himalayan region. This weather system brought cloud cover and light precipitation to parts of Himachal Pradesh, leading to subdued daytime heating.
Regional Temperature Variations
Other parts of the state also recorded below-normal temperatures. Manali saw a maximum of 20.8 degrees Celsius, while Dharamshala registered 24.5 degrees Celsius. The higher reaches, including Keylong and Kalpa, experienced even cooler conditions, with maximum temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius.
Forecast for Coming Days
The meteorological department has predicted that the cold spell may persist for the next 48 hours, after which temperatures are likely to rise gradually. Tourists planning to visit Shimla in the coming days are advised to carry light woolens. Farmers in the region have been cautioned about the potential impact on horticulture crops, particularly apples, which are in the flowering stage.
This unusual weather pattern has sparked discussions among climate experts about the increasing variability in seasonal temperatures. While such deviations are not unprecedented, their frequency seems to be rising, prompting calls for closer monitoring of climate trends in the Himalayan states.
