IMD Predicts Hailstorms, Rain In Himachal's Mid-Hill And Plain Areas

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and potential hailstorms over the next twelve hours as rain and thunderstorms continued to impact Himachal Pradesh's plains and mid-hill regions today.

The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Center predicts that after April 22, the weather will improve and the skies will be cleaner. However, rain and thunderstorm activity may return to higher altitude regions from April 24 to 27.

"Over the last 24 hours, there has been thunderstorm and hail activity in several parts of Himachal Pradesh," Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the Shimla Meteorological Centre, told ANI in a statement.

Some areas of Kinnaur and Chamba had heavy rainfall. Eastern Kinnaur received the highest precipitation at 48 mm, followed by Salooni in Chamba district with 40 mm, Sharma added.

Moderate rainfall was recorded in the plains and mid-hill regions, along with hail in the higher elevations. Districts like Bilaspur and Hamirpur saw moderate rain, while hailstorms were reported from upper Shimla, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Palampur in Kangra.

According to the IMD's latest forecast, light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected today (April 21) in districts including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. A hailstorm warning has also been issued for these areas, spanning both the plains and mid-hills.

Sharma affirmed that a warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms has been issued for today in the plains and mid-hill districts.

Although there may still be some light rainfall and thunderstorms in some areas of the mid-hill districts, he added that rain activity is predicted to decrease starting on April 22. On April 23, the weather is predicted to clear statewide. However, higher hill regions and several mid-hill districts including Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra are anticipated to get light and sporadic rain between April 24 and 27.

In the last 24 hours, Sharma also recorded some snowfall in Hansa and Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti).

The highest recorded temperature in Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur district) was 36°C. The state's temperatures have stayed below normal because of the continuous rain. Daytime temperatures are expected to gradually increase when skies clear starting on April 22 and then return to normal over the next four to five days.

Yesterday's high temperature in Shimla city was 23°C, which is regarded as typical. There was some light to moderate rain this morning, and more thunderstorms and lightning are predicted for the rest of the day. By the evening, the weather should improve.

Since April 18, rainfall has contributed to a small reduction in the total precipitation deficit. Himachal Pradesh's April rainfall is still 38% below average, nevertheless. Some districts, including Sirmaur and Mandi, have now reached normal levels. (Inputs From PTI)