Shimla/Mandi, May 31: Residents of Shimla woke up to intense rain and hailstorm on Friday morning, causing waterlogging across major roads and disrupting the daily commute for school children and office-goers. The sudden downpour overwhelmed city drainage systems, turning streets into water channels.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather is expected to remain unsettled across Himachal Pradesh until June 4, with Orange Alerts issued for multiple districts due to the risk of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Orange Alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi
The IMD has issued Orange Alerts for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts on May 31, warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms with wind speeds ranging between 50 to 60 km/h. The alert will extend to Shimla on June 1, when the weather is forecast to worsen further.
A Yellow Alert remains in place for most districts through June 4, indicating continued rainfall and storm activity in lower-intensity zones.
Mandi Sees Storms and Rainfall
In Mandi district, several areas witnessed rain accompanied by strong winds Friday morning, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 km/h. Cloudbursts were reported in a few localized regions, and the sudden change in weather prompted safety warnings.
Disruption in Daily Life
The morning downpour in Shimla led to waterlogging in key areas, forcing pedestrians and commuters to navigate flooded roads. Hailstorms in residential and commercial neighborhoods also caused minor property damage and traffic delays.
Forecast: More Rain and Storms Ahead
The IMD’s extended forecast predicts that unstable weather conditions will persist until at least June 4, particularly across central and western Himachal Pradesh. The advisory urges tourists and residents in hill districts to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during storm periods, and follow local emergency instructions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.