Unseasonal Rains and Hailstorm Disrupt Life and Crops in Himachal Pradesh
Since Thursday evening, intermittent rain has intensified across Himachal Pradesh, especially in Shimla, where continuous downpour and hailstorm have forced residents to bring out their warm clothes again. This unseasonal weather has also damaged crops in several districts.
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast continued rainfall across the state until May 8, issuing a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning with speeds of 40-50 kmph in several regions. Light to moderate rain is expected in most parts between May 2 and 5, with mid and lower hills likely to experience further rain between May 6 and 8.
Due to this change in weather, minimum temperatures have dropped by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours, while maximum temperatures in higher hill areas have declined by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
According to official data, Solan recorded 39.0 mm of rainfall last night, Bilaspur 26.0 mm, and the tourist town of Kufri received 17.0 mm. Hailstorm accompanied the rain in several areas including Shimla, Dharamshala, Mandi, Solan, Bilaspur, and Kullu, causing widespread damage to apple flowering, stone fruits, peas, and wheat crops. The rain has particularly hit wheat harvesting operations in the lower and mid-hills.
Farmers are expressing concern as the unseasonal weather poses a threat to crop yield and quality. With a forecast of further dips in both minimum and maximum temperatures, cold conditions are likely to prevail in the coming week.
