After days of relentless heat sweeping across Himachal Pradesh, a significant weather shift is finally expected to bring relief to residents struggling under soaring temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several districts of the state on Friday, signalling the arrival of a much-needed break from the unusually intense early summer conditions.
The change in weather comes at a critical moment for the hill state, where temperatures in several regions have climbed far above seasonal averages. The plains district of Una, often among the hottest locations in Himachal Pradesh during summer, recorded a blistering 44 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest places in northern India this week. Even Shimla, traditionally known for its mild climate, crossed the 30-degree mark and registered one of the warmest days of the current season, underlining the severity of the ongoing heatwave-like conditions.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the weather pattern over the western Himalayan region is now beginning to change due to the influence of a fresh western disturbance. This system is expected to trigger widespread instability across the state over the next several days, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and even snowfall in higher reaches.
The IMD has placed Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla districts under an orange alert for May 22, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Other districts are likely to experience moderate rainfall under a yellow alert, while the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are expected to remain largely outside the warning zone. On May 23, rainfall activity is expected to continue across at least ten districts under a yellow alert.
Weather experts believe the rainfall could provide substantial relief from the scorching temperatures that have unsettled both urban and rural regions of the state over the past week. Farmers, horticulturists, and residents in low hill and plain areas have been facing increasing discomfort due to the prolonged dry spell and abnormal rise in temperatures. The upcoming showers are expected not only to cool the atmosphere but also improve soil moisture conditions in several agricultural belts.
The meteorological department has also indicated that light to moderate rain and snowfall may occur at isolated places on May 22 and 23, particularly in higher mountainous areas. Thereafter, intermittent rainfall activity may continue at scattered locations across Himachal Pradesh until May 26. The possibility of fresh snowfall in upper reaches during late May is being viewed as another indicator of rapidly fluctuating weather conditions in the Himalayan region.
Temperature trends released by the department reveal the unusual intensity of the current weather phase. Minimum temperatures in many parts of the state remained 2 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal over the past 24 hours. In higher mountain regions, minimum temperatures ranged between 6 and 14 degrees Celsius, while mid-hill areas recorded temperatures between 12 and 23 degrees Celsius. In the lower hills and plains, night temperatures stayed between 17 and 27 degrees Celsius, adding to the discomfort caused by hot daytime conditions.
Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti remained the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius, highlighting the dramatic contrast between Himachal’s snow-bound tribal areas and the heat-stricken plains of Una and neighbouring districts.
Meteorologists have forecast that while temperatures may not witness major changes over the next 24 hours, a gradual fall is likely after the rain-bearing system becomes active. Minimum temperatures could decline by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius during the following two to three days, while maximum temperatures across most parts of the state may fall by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius. Such a drop is expected to bring noticeable relief, especially in districts where residents have been battling unusually harsh heat conditions for this time of year.
The changing weather also serves as an early reminder of the approaching southwest monsoon season. Meteorological estimates suggest that the monsoon is likely to enter Himachal Pradesh between June 20 and June 25, following its progression through other parts of northern India. Until then, western disturbances will continue to play a major role in shaping the state’s weather conditions.
Thursday remained largely sunny across Himachal Pradesh, with bright sunshine dominating most districts despite the forecast of approaching rainfall. However, weather officials have cautioned residents, tourists, and local administrations to remain alert, particularly in areas under orange alert where thunderstorms and strong winds may lead to disruptions, including falling trees, localised landslides, traffic interruptions, and power outages in vulnerable regions.
For many residents across the hill state, the forecast rain now represents more than just a routine weather event. After days of oppressive heat, the approaching showers are being welcomed as a timely respite that could restore some balance to an increasingly erratic summer season in the Himalayas.
