Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 21: Rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorm activity continued to affect large parts of Himachal Pradesh today, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue fresh weather alerts for the next 12 hours, especially for plains and mid-hill districts.
⛈️ Current Conditions
- Thunderstorms and hail were reported from Shimla, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra (Palampur), and more.
- Heavy rainfall occurred in:
- Eastern Kinnaur – 48 mm
- Salooni (Chamba) – 40 mm
- Moderate rain recorded in:
- Bilaspur, Hamirpur (plains)
- Mid-hills like Solan, Sirmaur
⚠️ IMD Alerts for April 21
- Districts under alert: Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur.
- Expected weather: Light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms in select areas.
- Senior IMD Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma: “An alert has been issued for thunderstorm, lightning, and hailstorm for today in the plains and mid-hill districts.”
🌤️ Upcoming Forecast
- April 22: Decrease in rainfall; possible light rain in mid-hills.
- April 23: Clear skies statewide.
- April 24–27: Intermittent rain and thunderstorms return to higher hills (like Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba) and parts of mid-hill districts (Kangra, Mandi).
- Light snowfall was reported in Hansa and Keylong (Lahaul-Spiti) over the last 24 hours.
🌡️ Temperature Update
- Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur): Highest temp at 36°C
- Shimla city: Max temp around 23°C (normal range)
- With clearer skies from April 22 onward, day temperatures will gradually rise, staying around normal levels for the next 4–5 days.
📉 Rainfall Deficit
- Though recent rains helped reduce the deficit, April rainfall remains 38% below normal statewide.
- Exceptions: Sirmaur and Mandi districts, where rainfall is now at normal levels.
🌦️ In Summary: Expect continued showers and thunderstorms through April 21, with clearer skies and rising temps from April 22. If you’re in Himachal, especially in districts under alert, stay indoors during storms and hail.