IMD issues Orange alert: Himachal braces for severe weather with Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Hailstorm
Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a significant spell of severe weather starting tonight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for multiple districts, warning of widespread heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds from the evening of April 18 through the morning of April 21, 2025.
The latest IMD forecast indicates that an active western disturbance combined with favorable atmospheric conditions will trigger intense precipitation, especially in the mid and high hill regions. Districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla are under an orange alert, while yellow alerts are in place for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kinnaur.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Chamba, northern Kangra, and Kullu districts between the night of April 18 and midnight of April 19. Mandi district is likely to experience heavy rain on April 19. Southern parts of Lahaul-Spiti are forecast to receive moderate to heavy snowfall from April 18 midnight till early morning of April 21. Higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur are also likely to witness snow accumulation during this period.
Warnings for isolated hailstorm activity have been issued for seven districts—Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla—during the same timeframe. Strong thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging from 50 to 60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph, are likely on April 18 and 19 in these districts. On April 20, gusty winds of 30 to 50 kmph are expected to continue in several parts of the state, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kinnaur.
Tourist destinations such as Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie are expected to receive multiple spells of light to moderate rain with occasional intense showers, potentially disrupting travel plans. The IMD has also warned of strong surface winds of up to 50 kmph in Lahaul-Spiti from April 19 to 21.
Temperatures in Himachal Pradesh will see a sharp drop, with maximum temperatures falling by 5 to 7°C from April 19 to 21, and minimum temperatures dipping by 3 to 4°C across many parts. A gradual warming trend is expected to begin from April 22 onwards. The IMD has ruled out the likelihood of heatwave conditions in the state till April 23.
This weather disturbance is expected to significantly impact agriculture and horticulture activities. Standing crops such as wheat and barley may suffer damage from hail and heavy rain. Apple, peach, and plum orchards in mid and high hills are at risk of premature fruit drop and broken branches due to strong winds and hail. Disruptions in orchard management activities such as spraying, harvesting, and pruning are also anticipated. For livestock, wet conditions and colder temperatures may increase the risk of injury and health complications, especially in remote and mountainous areas where access to fodder and veterinary care is limited.
Farmers are advised to install hail nets, avoid leaving harvested crops exposed, and delay spraying and pruning activities. Residents are urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields, and stay away from trees and electric poles. The general public and tourists should minimize travel in areas prone to landslides or waterlogging and keep track of regular weather updates issued by the IMD and local authorities.
The Himachal Pradesh government has placed emergency response teams on alert and is preparing for potential disruptions. With several districts under orange alert, caution and preparedness are critical for ensuring public safety during this phase of extreme weather.
A spokesperson of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority informed here today that some districts of the State will experience adverse weather conditions on 18th and 19th April, 2025. Chamba, Kangra and Kullu districts are expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall from night of 18th April till midnight of 19th April, 2025 and Mandi district on 19th April, 2025.
He further informed that Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Solan, Sirmour, Mandi and Shimla districts are expected to experience isolated hailstorm from night of 18th April till midnight of 19th April, 2025.
