Shimla: The mercury remained below normal across Himachal Pradesh as light to moderate rain lashed several parts of the state on Sunday. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in parts of the state on May 4 and 5, with light to moderate rainfall also likely during this period.
Rain was reported in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Solan districts. Isolated areas also witnessed thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Temperature Records
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, maximum temperatures stayed several notches below normal across the state. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32.8 degrees Celsius, which was 4.6 degrees below normal. Shimla's maximum temperature was 18.6 degrees Celsius, 5.1 degrees below normal. Sundernagar recorded 22.1 degrees Celsius, 11.1 degrees below normal. Bhuntar recorded 20.3 degrees Celsius, 9.6 degrees below normal. Dharamshala recorded 27 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees below normal. Manali recorded 16.8 degrees Celsius, 7.1 degrees below normal. Mandi recorded 22.6 degrees Celsius, 10.2 degrees below normal.
Minimum Temperatures
The minimum temperature also remained below normal across most parts of the state. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti district recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees below normal. Dharamshala recorded 17.6 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees below normal. Kalpa recorded 5.4 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees below normal. Nahan recorded 14.1 degrees Celsius, 8.6 degrees below normal.
The weather department has advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open areas. Farmers have been cautioned against undertaking agricultural activities during the alert period.
