Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: Orange Alert Issued for April 18-19, Storms and Hail Expected

Shimla, April 18 — The weather in Himachal Pradesh is set to change once again, with the Meteorological Department issuing an orange alert for April 18 and 19. Although the day started off bright and sunny in Shimla and other regions of the state, severe weather is expected to develop over the next three days. The forecast includes heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, prompting officials to urge caution among residents and tourists alike.

Three Days of Severe Weather Expected

According to the seven-day forecast from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, April 18 to 20 will see unstable weather across multiple regions of the state. Strong winds up to 50-60 km/h, thunder, and hailstorms are likely on April 18 and 19. Some areas could even witness snowfall, especially in higher altitudes.

• April 18: Possibility of hailstorms and lightning with winds reaching 40-50 km/h.

• April 19: Similar conditions, with wind speeds potentially touching 60 km/h.

• April 20: Weather may begin to improve, though isolated rain and thunderstorms with 30-40 km/h winds may still occur.

Conditions to Normalize by April 21

From April 21 to 22, only light cloud cover and drizzles are expected in some regions. No serious weather warnings have been issued for these days. By April 23-24, weather across the state is likely to turn dry and clear, with no rain, storms, or hail expected.

Advisory for Farmers and Tourists

The weather department has issued specific advisories for farmers, locals, and tourists:

• Farmers are urged to delay any spraying of chemicals or harvesting and to secure loose materials.

• Residents, especially in higher Himalayan areas, should avoid unnecessary travel during the storm days.

• Tourists are advised to check local forecasts before planning travel and to avoid hilly areas during peak storm hours.

Storm Aftermath and Safety Measures

This alert comes just days after a powerful storm caused significant destruction on Wednesday night. Uprooted trees led to damage to homes and vehicles in several places. Tragically, three deaths were reported due to separate storm-related incidents. The IMD has warned that similar conditions could recur and urges the public to remain on alert.

Temperature Fluctuations Across the State

While no rainfall or snowfall was recorded in the past 24 hours, significant temperature variations have been observed:

• Lowest Temperature: Kukumseri at 3.5°C

• Highest Temperature: Una at 37.2°C

Other key readings:

• Shimla: 16.6°C

• Sundernagar: 15.1°C

• Bhuntar: 13.2°C

• Kalpa: 7.5°C

• Dharamshala: 16.4°C

• Manali: 10.2°C

• Kufri: 13.4°C