Himachal Pradesh Braces for Severe Weather: Orange Alert Issued for Thunderstorms and Hailstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated weather warnings for Himachal Pradesh, issuing an orange alert on Thursday for thunderstorms and hailstorms across several districts. This alert comes as the state prepares for unsettled conditions, with light rain and snowfall predicted for April 3 and 4, potentially disrupting daily life and travel in the region.
District-Specific Alerts and Forecast Details
According to the latest update from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the orange alert—indicating a need for preparedness—has been specifically activated for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. These areas are expected to face the brunt of the severe weather, with risks of hailstorms adding to the thunderstorm threat.
For the remaining districts of Himachal Pradesh, a yellow alert has been sounded, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. This lower-level alert still advises caution, as strong winds could lead to minor damage and travel delays.
The forecast indicates that parts of the low and mid hills in the state are likely to receive rainfall over the next two days, while the high hills may witness light snowfall. This mixed precipitation pattern is typical for early April in the region, but the intensity of the thunderstorms raises concerns.
Temperature Extremes and March Weather Recap
On Thursday, temperature variations highlighted the state's diverse climate. Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.1°C, reflecting the chill in higher altitudes. In contrast, Neri reported the highest maximum temperature at 32.9°C, showcasing warmer conditions in certain areas.
The IMD's monthly weather report for March provides further context to the current alert. Himachal Pradesh recorded 93.7 mm of rainfall in March, ranking as the 56th-highest for the month since records began in 1901. The highest March rainfall in the state's history was recorded in 1948, at 382 mm.
However, this year's March rainfall was 17% below the normal average of 113.4 mm, indicating a drier than usual period. Despite this, the month saw significant weather fluctuations, with both heat wave and cold wave conditions reported across various districts.
Heat and Cold Wave Incidents in March
The report detailed that heat wave conditions prevailed for multiple days in several districts:
- Mandi experienced heat waves for five days.
- Solan and Kullu each had three days of heat wave conditions.
- Kangra faced two days of elevated temperatures.
- Sirmaur reported one day of heat wave.
On the colder side, a severe cold day was reported at isolated places on March 16 in Una, Mandi, and Kangra. Similarly, on March 20, cold wave conditions affected Kalpa, Una, Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur, and Chamba. Additionally, parts of Mandi endured cold wave conditions for two days during the month, underscoring the volatile weather patterns.
As Himachal Pradesh navigates these alerts, residents and authorities are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks from the impending thunderstorms and hailstorms.
