Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Hailstorm Damage and Below-Normal Rainfall
Parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced light to moderate rainfall on Monday, with hailstorms in certain areas causing significant damage to fruit crops, particularly apples. The precipitation occurred in districts including Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Chamba, and Kangra during the evening hours.
Heavy Rainfall and Crop Impact
In the Seraj area of Mandi district, heavy rainfall led to increased water levels in several rivulets after just a few hours of downpour. Hailstorms were reported in regions such as Kumarsain and Kotgarh in Shimla district, as well as the Seraj valley in Mandi, where they adversely affected fruit crops, with apple orchards bearing the brunt of the damage.
Rainfall and Temperature Statistics
According to the meteorological centre in Shimla, the state has recorded 93.1 mm of rain from March 1 to March 30, which is 17% less than the normal average of 111.8 mm for this period. The rain, accompanied by thunderstorms in many areas, resulted in maximum temperatures falling below normal across most parts of the state on Monday.
Key temperature readings included:
- Shimla: Maximum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, 3.1 degrees below normal.
- Dharamshala: Maximum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees below normal.
- Manali: Maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees below normal.
- Una: Warmest district with a maximum temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees below normal.
- Chamba: Maximum temperature of 18.6 degrees Celsius, 10.8 degrees below normal.
Other locations where temperatures remained below normal were Sundernagar at 26.2 degrees, Bhuntar at 24 degrees, Nahan at 25.1 degrees, Solan at 24.5 degrees, and Mandi at 27.6 degrees Celsius. Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Weather Alert Issued
Meanwhile, the Shimla meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for light rain and snow at isolated places in the state on March 31, April 1, and April 2, indicating continued unsettled weather conditions.
