Thunderstorms, lightning predicted across Himachal; IMD issues orange, yellow alerts

ANI April 11, 2025 123 views

The India Meteorological Department has issued critical weather alerts across Himachal Pradesh, warning of intense thunderstorms and potential hailstorms. Multiple districts are under Orange and Yellow alerts, with significant temperature drops and precipitation observed. Regions like Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba are experiencing the most severe weather conditions. Residents are advised to stay cautious and indoors during these meteorological events.

"Thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely in parts of Himachal Pradesh" - Sandeep Kumar Sharma, IMD Scientist
Shimla, April 11: Due to recent weather fluctuations over the past 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorm in four districts of Himachal Pradesh, while Yellow Alerts have been issued for four other districts.

Key Points

1

Orange Alert issued for Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba districts

2

Temperatures drop 3-5 degrees Celsius across region

3

Hailstorm activity recorded in multiple mountain areas

4

Weather expected to clear from April 13-16

According to weather reports, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Hamirpur witnessed thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in the last 24 hours. In terms of rainfall amount, Gohar in the Mandi district recorded the highest rainfall at 19 mm, followed by Pandokhar in Mandi with 14 mm. Other areas received light showers. Hailstorm activity was also recorded in Banjar (Kullu), Sundernagar (Mandi), and some parts of the Shimla district.

Just a few days ago, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, and Dharamshala experienced heatwave conditions, which now seem to have eased due to the recent rainfall.

As of Friday, thunderstorm and lightning activity was reported in Chamba, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Shimla districts, with light morning rain recorded in several areas. Temperatures have dropped by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, bringing them closer to seasonal averages.

IMD officials expect this weather activity to continue throughout the day. There is a high chance of hailstorms, particularly in the Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba districts. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely in these regions.

"Thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely in parts of Himachal Pradesh. An Orange Alert has been issued for districts with more intense activity, while Yellow Alerts are in place for areas expecting moderate weather events. People are advised to stay indoors during severe weather," IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said.

The Orange Alert remains in place for Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba, while a Yellow Alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Solan, and Hamirpur.

Strong winds may also accompany the thunderstorm activity in these areas.

Looking ahead, on April 12, thunderstorms are expected in Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla, with continued alerts in place for these middle hill districts. Temperature is expected to dip again on April 12, remaining close to seasonal normal levels. However, from April 13 to April 16, the weather is expected to remain clear across the state, bringing a brief respite.

In Shimla, the temperature has fallen below 25°C due to hailstorms and rain over the past 24 hours, with an overall drop of 4 to 5 degrees reported in several areas.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
The weather swings in Himachal are crazy this year! From heatwave to hailstorms in just days. Stay safe everyone, especially those in orange alert zones ⚡
P
Priya M.
I'm visiting Shimla next week - glad to hear the weather will clear up by then! Though I do hope the rains don't cause any landslides on the routes.
A
Ankit S.
The IMD alerts are helpful but I wish they'd provide more localized warnings. "Parts of Shimla district" is too vague - which villages exactly should be most cautious?
S
Sunita R.
My apple orchard in Kullu got damaged by yesterday's hailstorm 😢 These sudden weather changes are becoming more frequent. Farmers need better protection measures.
V
Vikram J.
At least the temperatures are back to normal! That heatwave last week was unbearable. The mountains need these rains 🌧️
N
Neha T.
Stay safe everyone in the alert zones! My cousin in Mandi said the thunder was so loud last night it woke up the whole neighborhood. Nature's power is humbling.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Himachal Pradesh Weather IMD Alert Thunderstorms Lightning Hailstorm Meteorological Department
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