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Himachal Braces for Dry Spell From May 18, Temperatures May Hit 40°C: IMD

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a dry spell in Himachal Pradesh from May 18 to May 23, with temperatures likely to touch 40°C in lower hill areas. Light rainfall activity is expected only in isolated higher reaches over the next two days. The state has received 13% above-normal rainfall so far in May, but pre-monsoon rainfall from March 1 shows a 6% deficit. No heatwave alert has been issued yet, but heatwave-like conditions may develop around May 20-22.

Key Points: Dry Spell in Himachal From May 18: Temperatures May Hit 40°C

  • Dry spell expected from May 18 to May 23
  • Temperatures may reach 40°C in lower hills
  • Light rain forecast in higher reaches for next two days
  • No heatwave alert yet, but conditions may develop around May 20-22
2 min read

Himachal Pradesh likely to witness dry spell after May 18, temperatures may touch 40°C: IMD

IMD forecasts dry spell in Himachal Pradesh from May 18, with temperatures likely to touch 40°C in lower hills. Light rain expected in isolated higher reaches.

"From May 18 to May 23, the weather across Himachal Pradesh is expected to remain dry. - Shobhit Katiyar, Head IMD"

Shimla, May 15

The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rainfall activity in isolated higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the next two days, while warning of a prolonged dry spell and rising temperatures across the state after May 18.

Speaking to ANI, Head IMD Shobhit Katiyar said no major weather activity is expected in most parts of the state during the next three days, although isolated light rain spells may occur in higher hill districts, including Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu.

"From May 18 to May 23, the weather across Himachal Pradesh is expected to remain dry. However, due to a fresh western disturbance, rainfall activity may resume in the state after May 24," Katiyar said.

He said daytime temperatures are currently ranging between 30-35 degrees Celsius in lower hill and plain areas, 24 to 30 degrees Celsius in the mid-hill regions, and 18 to 24 degrees Celsius in higher reaches.

Katiyar further said temperatures are likely to rise steadily over the next week due to the absence of significant weather systems.

"In the next 3-4 days, temperatures in lower hill and plain areas may touch around 40 degrees Celsius," he said, adding that Una district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while adjoining areas witnessed temperatures between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius.

The IMD official said the state has so far received above-normal rainfall during May. Against the normal rainfall of around 33 mm between May 1 and May 14, Himachal Pradesh has already recorded 37 mm of rainfall, which is about 13 per cent above normal.

However, cumulative pre-monsoon rainfall from March 1 to May 14 stood at 197 mm against the normal 210 mm, reflecting a deficit of nearly 6 per cent, he added.

Katiyar said no heatwave alert has been issued so far, but heatwave-like conditions may develop in isolated areas around May 20 to 22.

"We may issue a heatwave alert in the next one to two days, depending on evolving conditions," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Living in Una, trust me 36°C already feels like 40. 🌡️ I hope the apple orchards in higher reaches survive this dry spell. Farmers depend on pre-monsoon showers, 6% deficit is worrying despite recent good rainfall.
V
Vikram M
Typical for May in Himachal - dry spell followed by relief from western disturbance. I wonder if the authorities are ready for possible water scarcity in lower areas. Residents near Una and Bilaspur should start conserving water now.
A
Ananya R
Would appreciate if IMD also shared tips for dealing with the heat. Many older folks in Mandi don't use AC. Plus, the 13% above-normal rain so far is good, but it's no use if we get a dry stretch right when crops need moisture. 🌾
R
Rohit P
Shimla resident here - we are lucky that higher reaches stay cooler, but Manali and Kullu might get crowded with tourists escaping plains heat. That could strain local resources. Himachal tourism board should issue advisories.
K
Kavya N
Good update from IMD, but I wish they gave more localized forecasts for places like Dharamshala and Palampur. We rely on agriculture here, and even a few days of dry spell between May 18-24 could affect summer crops. Hope the western disturbance brings enough rain.

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