Himachal Weather Update: Rain, Snowfall, and Hail Bring Relief From Heat but Damage Crops

Shimla, April 11 Himachal Pradesh has received widespread rain, hailstorms, and fresh snowfall over the past 24 hours, providing much-needed relief from the rising heat. However, while the change in weather has cooled temperatures across the state, it has also resulted in significant damage to standing crops, especially in tribal and mid-hill regions.

Fresh Snowfall in High-Altitude Regions

The upper reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kullu witnessed fresh snowfall on Thursday night. Popular mountain passes like Kunzum La, Baralacha La, and Rohtang Pass are once again draped in snow. The renewed chill has led to a sharp dip in minimum temperatures, with conditions turning wintry in many tribal areas.

Rain & Hail Lash Mid-Hill and Lower Regions

Districts including Shimla, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Bilaspur were hit by intense rain and hailstorms, causing crop losses in several agricultural belts. In upper Shimla—particularly Chopal, Theog, Jubbal, and Rohru—hail has damaged wheat, vegetables, and fruit crops.

In Mandi’s Seraj, Gohar, Nachan, and Drang, reports indicate apple blossoms were knocked off, raising concerns over yield. Similarly, in Kullu’s Ujhi valley, hailstorms in Manjhlihar, Khargi, and Sargani villages led to damage of apple, plum, and other seasonal fruit trees.

In Sirmaur, hail and unseasonal rains have caused substantial crop losses, while ready-to-harvest wheat crops in the plains have also been affected.

Winds, Rain Damage Property in Shimla

On Friday morning, heavy rain in Shimla led to water entering some local shops, causing inconvenience to business owners. Strong winds reaching up to 56 km/h in Tabo, 46 km/h in Kufri, and 42 km/h in Shimla were also reported, adding to weather-related troubles.

Rainfall records over the past 24 hours include:

• Gohar 19 mm

• Pandoh and Paonta Sahib 14 mm

• Karsog 13 mm

• Mandi 8 mm

The average minimum temperature in the state dropped by 1.9°C, with notable lows including:

• Shimla 12.5°C

• Manali 9.1°C

• Una 15.5°C

• Keylong 2.0°C

• Solan 12.0°C

Yellow Alert Issued: More Weather Turbulence Ahead

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla has issued a Yellow Alert across multiple districts, warning of:

• Lightning strikes

• Hailstorms

• Thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30–40 km/h

These conditions are expected to persist through April 12 due to a western disturbance affecting the region.

From April 13 to 16, the weather is forecast to remain clear. However, another spell of rain and snowfall is likely to hit on April 17, according to IMD’s extended outlook.