Shimla. In Himachal Pradesh, which has been facing the scorching heat and heatwave for the last several days, the weather suddenly took a turn on Friday and gave great relief to the people. Fresh snowfall in the mountains and rain in the plains have brought a significant drop in the temperature. People troubled by the scorching sun and hot winds have heaved a sigh of relief, while the tourists also enjoyed the changed weather.
While white blanket of snow spread in the higher reaches of the state, rain and strong winds made the weather pleasant in many districts including Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Una, Hamirpur and Chamba. The Meteorological Department says that people will continue to get respite from the heat for the next 48 hours.
Snowfall on the mountains, relief in the valleys
The maximum impact of the weather was seen in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts. Fresh snowfall was recorded on several higher peaks including Rohtang Pass, Baralacha and Shinkula Top. Due to snowfall, the roads became slippery for some time and a snow storm-like situation was created, however, the traffic became normal when the weather cleared in the afternoon. The snowfall in Rohtang and surrounding areas in the month of May has also given new energy to the tourism business. Tourists are once again heading to Manali and Lahaul Valley to enjoy snow.
The mercury dropped to nine degrees in Shimla.
In the capital Shimla, the temperature was continuously reaching above 30 degrees Celsius for the last few days, due to which people were facing abnormal heat. After rain, strong winds and light hailstorm on Friday morning, a huge drop in the temperature of the city was recorded. After this change in weather, the activity of people increased on the roads, mall roads and tourist places of Shimla. After the rain, Shimla, the queen of hills, once again looked radiant in its natural beauty.
Clouds rained from Una to Chamba
Light to moderate rain was recorded in many parts of the state. Highest rainfall was recorded in the holding area of Chamba. Apart from this, rain occurred in many areas including Kukumseri, Keylong, Dharamshala, Bhuntar, Dehra Gopipur, Palampur and Una. Due to rain and cold winds, the temperature dropped by two to three degrees across the state, while in some areas the drop was even more.
Big relief from heatwave
For the last three days, heatwave like conditions were prevailing in the plains and middle altitude areas of the state. In areas like Una, Kangra, Bilaspur, Solan and Hamirpur, the temperature had reached four to six degrees Celsius above normal. Una recorded a maximum temperature of over 44 degrees Celsius, while the mercury continued to rise in Sundernagar, Mandi and Kangra as well. After the rain on Friday, people have got a big relief from the scorching heat.
Chances of relief in the next 48 hours
According to the Meteorological Department, the same weather pattern may persist in many parts of the state for the next two days. The Meteorological Department has also issued a yellow alert for rain, thunder and strong winds tomorrow i.e. Saturday, May 23 in five districts of the state - Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla. In some areas the wind speed can reach 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. Meteorologists believe that the temperature will remain controlled during this period and people will continue to get relief from the heat.
Heat will increase again after May 26
However, this relief will not last long. The Meteorological Department has indicated that after May 26, the weather will clear once again in the state and the temperature will start rising rapidly. There is a possibility of heat wave like situation again in some parts of Una, Bilaspur, Kangra and Solan. According to experts, the effect of heat can be seen most in the plains and medium altitude areas.
Tourists and residents of the state enjoyed the relief
After rain and snowfall, the weather has become pleasant across the state. Along with the local people, the tourists who came to visit the mountains also enjoyed the changed weather to the fullest. This relief received after a long time has definitely given people a few days' respite from the scorching heat, while the greenery spread on the mountains and snow covered peaks have once again added to the beauty of Himachal.
