IMD Issues Orange Alert For Hailstorm And Thunderstorms In Parts Of Himachal Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for hailstorm and thunderstorms in parts of Himachal Pradesh, as the state continues to experience highly localised weather activity during the ongoing monsoon progression.

According to the IMD, isolated places in Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur and Shimla districts are likely to witness thunderstorms, light rainfall and hailstorm activity during the day. Parts of Shimla city and surrounding regions also experienced heavy rain and hailstorms , leading to sudden changes in local weather conditions.

Speaking to ANI, Shobhit Katiyar, Head of the Meteorological Centre, Shimla , said that the state largely remained dry over the last 24 hours , except for light rainfall at a few scattered locations . He added that weather activity has remained patchy and localised , with sharp variations across districts.

Katiyar said that considering the possibility of hailstorm and thunderstorm activity , an orange alert has been issued for Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Shimla districts for June 15 . He further warned that the most vulnerable areas over the next few hours include Hamirpur, adjoining parts of Mandi district, and select locations in Shimla district , where weather conditions could intensify temporarily.

For the coming days, the IMD has indicated that no major or extreme weather systems are expected between June 16 and June 20. However, light rainfall and intermittent thunderstorms are likely to continue across parts of the lower and mid-hill regions of the state.

A yellow alert has also been issued for June 18 and 19 for districts including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla, due to the likelihood of isolated thunderstorm activity .

The IMD official noted a significant drop in temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius across Himachal Pradesh following recent rainfall activity. However, as rainfall has weakened, temperatures have begun to rise again, with several areas recording an increase of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in a short span.

He also cautioned that districts such as Una and Bilaspur may experience temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius over the next three days, particularly in low-lying regions.

On the progress of the southwest monsoon , Katiyar said it is advancing at a normal pace across the country , having already covered the southern peninsula and northeastern states. It has now entered eastern India and is progressing steadily.

He added that Himachal Pradesh is typically covered by the monsoon around June 25 , and current conditions suggest its arrival is likely to remain on schedule , with the IMD continuing to closely monitor developments.