Una records 44.2 C : Himachal struggles under heat wave, Relief remains days away
For the past three days, Himachal Pradesh has been battling an intense heat wave, with Una recording a blistering 44.2°C — the highest temperature of the season so far. The heat has disrupted daily life across five districts — Una, Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur — all of which saw temperatures soar past 40°C. Even the usually cool Shimla wasn’t spared, with the mercury climbing close to 30°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for several districts through Wednesday and Thursday, with an orange alert — indicating more severe conditions — for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Shimla, and Solan. According to Sandeep Sharma from the Met Centre, the weather is expected to stay dry and clear until June 13, with a possible shift on June 14 when light showers may bring some relief.
The heat wave is expected to persist in Una, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Mandi on Wednesday, and extend to Kangra and Solan by Thursday. Temperatures could rise by another 2–3°C in the coming days.
In Una, the impact is visible on the streets. Markets empty out during the afternoon as people avoid venturing out. Many residents are seen shielding themselves with cloths, dupattas, and umbrellas. Tuesday’s temperatures were noticeably higher than Monday’s, adding to the discomfort.
Hamirpur’s Neri recorded the highest minimum temperature in the state at 29.3°C, followed by Paonta Sahib (28.0°C), Dehradun Gopipur (27.0°C), and Una (22.8°C). These unusually warm nights are compounding the daytime heat, making it harder for people to cope.
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions. With no immediate relief in sight, all eyes are on June 14, when a change in weather may finally bring some respite.
