Shimla, May 30
Parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed light to moderate rainfall and hailstorms over the past 24 hours, bringing a spell of unsettled weather across several districts. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for hail, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places on May 31 and has forecast wet weather to continue across the state until June 4.
According to weather officials, Pandoh recorded the highest rainfall at 37.4 mm during the period, followed by Naina Devi with 34.6 mm and Guler with 25.8 mm. Other areas that received notable rainfall include Kangra, Sundernagar, Una, Jot, Sarahan, and Dehra Gopipur.
A severe hailstorm accompanied by intense showers affected Shimla and nearby areas on Friday evening. The state capital recorded 5.6 mm of rainfall. Hailstorm activity was also reported from Chopal and Kotkhai in Shimla district.
Thunderstorms and lightning were observed in several locations, including Shimla, Jubberhatti, Sundernagar, Kangra, Bhuntar, Jot and Murari Devi, reflecting the widespread impact of the changing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Kukumseri remained the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.9 degrees Celsius.
Despite recent rainfall activity, Himachal Pradesh continues to record a deficit in pre-monsoon precipitation. Data from the meteorological department showed that the state received 207 mm of rainfall between March 1 and May 29, against the normal average of 238.6 mm, resulting in a shortfall of 13 percent.
The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious as thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds may affect isolated areas over the coming days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the wet spell is expected to persist through the first week of June.
