Saturday, May 3 2025 | Time 02:48 Hrs(IST)
States » NorthPosted at: May 2 2025 12:53PM


Mercury dips amid unseasonal showers in Himachal

Shimla, May 2 (UNI) Heavy summer showers and an active western disturbance caused a sharp dip in mercury by three to four degrees across Himachal Pradesh over the last 24 hours, bringing relief from the prolonged dry spell. Widespread thunderstorms, hailstorms have disrupted normal life at some places in the state, Meteorological Centre in Shimla said on Friday.
The minimum temperatures fell by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius, with Tabo in tribal Lahaul-Spiti registering the lowest at 5.6°C. Una remained the warmest with a maximum temperature of 38.2°C. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, witnessing a fall of 3.5°C from the previous day. Kufri dipped to 9.4°C while Manali recorded 11.9°C and Narkanda 8.4°C.
Widespread light to moderate rainfall was recorded across the state with Solan receiving the highest at 39.0 mm, followed by Ghaghas with 33.8 mm, Bilaspur 26 mm, Raipur Maidan 26.6 mm and Rajgarh and Mehre Barsar with 25 mm each. Shimla city received 11 mm rainfall, and Jubberhatti airport recorded 6.8 mm, accompanied by thunderstorm and hail.
A heavy downpour and hailstorm hit Chopal area of Shimla, damaging standing apple crops and other stone fruits as reported by local sources. Thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 65 km/h in Kufri and over 60 km/h in Bilaspur disrupted traffic and affected power supply in several areas.
The unseasonal rain and snowfall helped overcome the acute water shortage that loomed after a prolonged dry spell. The rainfall has replenished natural water sources, easing reliance on irrigation and enabling early sowing of Kharif crops.
Farmers are likely to benefit from better soil moisture conditions. On the energy front, late snowfall and low temperatures have delayed glacial melting, thereby limiting water discharge in major rivers like the Satluj, Beas, and Chenab, which power several hydroelectric projects in the state.
However, the overall recharge from post-winter precipitation could ensure better summer power generation once temperatures rise.
The sudden plunge in mercury has temporarily checked extreme heatwave conditions in the low hills and plains, although rising humidity levels could lead to discomfort in the coming days.
Visibility remained low across many areas due to persistent overcast and hazy skies. Tourist activity has picked up in hill stations, drawn by the cool weather, though the absence of intense heat in the plains may result in reduced tourist footfall compared to previous years.
While the rain has improved the water situation and reduced the fire hazard, it may adversely affect the harvesting of Rabi crops in the mid-hills. Continued snowfall in higher reaches has slowed glacial thaw, leading to lower river discharge levels than expected for this time of year, with implications for irrigation and hydropower operations in early summer.
UNI ML PRS
Tags: #Mercury dips amid unseasonal showers in Himachal
More News

Rajasthan Police warn Char Dham Yatra pilgrims of potential cyber scams

03 May 2025 | 1:29 AM

Jaipur, May 2 (UNI) The Rajasthan Police on Friday warned pilgrims planning to undertake the Char Dham Yatra of the risk of potential cyber frauds and scams.

see more..

Smoke and fire trigger panic in Kozhikode Medical College hospital

03 May 2025 | 1:06 AM

Kozhikode, May 2 (UNI) There was panic as a large amount of smoke and fire was seen coming out from the Super speciality block of the Kozhikode Medical College hospital (KMCH) on Friday, officials said.

see more..

Centre should conduct caste census with transparency, honesty: Akhilesh

03 May 2025 | 12:45 AM

Lucknow, May 2 (UNI) Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said that the socialists have fought a very long battle demanding caste census which is the first important step towards social justice.

see more..

Couple with their three-month-old infant killed in Chhattisgarh road accident

03 May 2025 | 12:13 AM

Ambikapur, May 2 (UNI) A couple and their three-month-old infant were killed when a speeding car rammed into the bike they were riding, on National Highway-43 in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh on Friday.

see more..

Beniwal's credibility lost, resorting to baseless statements to stay relevant: Rajasthan Minister KK Vishnoi

03 May 2025 | 12:07 AM

Jaipur, May 2 (UNI) Rajasthan's Minister of State for Industries, KK Vishnoi, has criticised Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal's recent statements, calling them "petty politics".

see more..