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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
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