Rain Reigns and Winds Howl: Himachal Raised to Orange Alert

Shimla and its vicinity, including Kufri and Chharabra, witnessed a freak squall and piercing rain on May 1, reducing visibility and keeping tourists indoors. The Met Office has sounded an orange alert for Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Chamba, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and windy conditions (30-40 km/h). A yellow alert is for Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, where snowfall is predicted in tribal areas like the Pangi Valley after a landslide has closed main roads.

 

Highlights:

 

Deficit relief: Himachal received 36% less rainfall in April, except Bilaspur (16% surplus).

 

Temperature change: Post-squall, min/max temperatures to fall 2-5°C for 4-5 days.

 

Wet week ahead: Light to moderate rainfall probable throughout the state till May 7, thanks to a fresh western disturbance.

 

Officials warned against approaching the Beas River in Mandi as water levels increased due to snowmelt.

 

Sources: The Week, News Arena India