Shimla, June 4 — As pre-monsoon activity intensifies in Himachal Pradesh, the state is grappling with heavy rainfall, sharp temperature drops, and storm alerts across key districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for six districts, warning of heavy rain and storms with wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph.
The alert applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan, where severe weather is expected to persist through the day. Meanwhile, yellow alerts have been issued for the rest of the state. The continued rain over the past week has led to a dramatic fall in temperatures, reviving wintry conditions in the hills.
Shimla Sees Thunderstorms at Night; Tourists Enjoy Cool Weather
Shimla, the capital, witnessed intense rainfall and lightning after 10:15 PM last night. The downpour, accompanied by thunder and strong winds, lasted for over 30 minutes. Despite the severe weather, tourists were seen enjoying the picturesque scenes and cool breeze at Shimla’s iconic Ridge.
But the IMD has urged visitors to exercise caution and carry adequate winter clothing, especially when traveling to higher-altitude destinations.
Manali, Kufri, Kalpa See Sharp Temperature Drops
Tourist hotspots in higher elevations have experienced significant drops in temperature. Manali recorded a maximum of 14.4°C, down by 11.1°C from the seasonal norm. Other notable dips include:
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Bhuntar: 23.8°C (↓8.7°C)
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Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti): 13.4°C (↓8.4°C)
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Shimla: 21.6°C (↓4.0°C)
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Kangra: 32.3°C (↓6.6°C)
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Dharamshala: 28.0°C (↓4.1°C)
Minimum temperatures have also plummeted across high-altitude regions, with Kalpa at just 5.4°C and areas like Narkanda, Kufri, and Kukumseri all dropping below 10°C, signalling the return of cold weather in early June.
Rainfall Exceeds Weekly Average by 21%
From May 27 to June 3, the state has recorded 16.9 mm of rainfall, exceeding the normal weekly average of 14 mm by 21%. The intense pre-monsoon showers have been attributed to western disturbances active over the region.
Weather to Improve from Tomorrow
According to the IMD, the ongoing western disturbance is likely to weaken from tomorrow. While light rain is still expected in parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan on Thursday, conditions are forecast to clear across the state from Friday onward, offering some respite from the current weather turbulence.
As Himachal continues to attract tourists from across India, authorities advise travelers to check weather updates regularly and prepare adequately for shifting mountain conditions.
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.
