According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, a western disturbance is expected to become active on May 22 and 23. Due to this weather system, districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla are likely to witness strong winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning that wind speeds could reach up to 40 kilometres per hour in some areas. Higher reaches of the state may also receive rainfall and light snowfall during this period.
Officials believe the change in weather could provide temporary relief from the intense heat affecting both plains and hilly areas. Meanwhile, tourists from neighbouring states continue to visit Himachal Pradesh in large numbers to escape the extreme heat conditions in northern India’s plains.
Why Heatwave-Like Conditions Are Increasing in Himachal
Senior scientist Sandeep Kumar from the Meteorological Centre explained that the IMD follows specific standards before officially declaring a heatwave. In plain regions, a heatwave is declared when temperatures touch 40 degrees Celsius or rise 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. A severe heatwave is declared if temperatures rise 6.5 degrees or more above average.
For hilly regions such as Shimla and Kalpa, the threshold is lower. If temperatures cross 30 degrees Celsius and remain significantly above normal, heatwave conditions may be declared.
Experts say lower areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi, have been recording unusually high temperatures in recent years. Climate change, reduced rainfall, and increasing forest fires are being considered major reasons behind the rising heat in the hill state.
Key Temperatures Recorded in Himachal Pradesh:
Shimla: 30.5°C
Sundernagar: 39.8°C
Dharamshala: 36.0°C
Kangra: 38.4°C
Una: 44.3°C
Solan: 36.0°C
Nahan: 38.7°C
Kelong: 21.0°C