Rain Lashes Kangra as IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Across Himachal
Heavy rain hits Kangra as IMD predicts thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh due to a Western Disturbance.
A sudden shift in weather has gripped the hills of Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall lashing the Kangra district on Sunday. The downpour has brought a significant drop in temperatures, providing much-needed relief from recent warmth but also ushering in a wintry chill across the region.
Overcast skies and persistent showers have altered the atmosphere, affecting outdoor activities for both local residents and tourists. As the rain continues, the region is feeling the onset of colder weather, with temperatures expected to remain low in the coming days.
IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Lightning Warning
The Regional India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert, forecasting thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations across Himachal Pradesh over the next five days. This weather shift is being driven by an active Western Disturbance and cyclonic circulations currently influencing the area.
According to the latest meteorological bulletin, the state can expect the following pattern:
- Until October 13: Scattered rainfall is predicted across various parts of the hill state.
- October 14 and 15: Precipitation is expected to intensify, leading to fairly widespread rain.
- October 16 and 17: Weather activity is likely to recede, returning to isolated instances.
Synoptic Conditions Driving the Change
Meteorologists explained that the prevailing weather is due to a combination of atmospheric factors. An upper air cyclonic circulation is persisting over Haryana and its neighboring areas at 1.5 km above mean sea level. Additionally, a Western Disturbance is acting as a cyclonic circulation over Himachal Pradesh at 3.1 km above mean sea level.
Recent Rainfall and Temperature Extremes
In the last 24 hours, several parts of the state witnessed intense weather activity, including thunderstorms and hailstorms. The rainfall distribution was as follows:
- Sarahan (Shimla): Recorded the highest rainfall at 30.1 mm, accompanied by hailstorms.
- Palampur (Kangra): Recorded 6.0 mm of rain with reports of hailstorms.
- Sundernagar (Mandi): Recorded 5.6 mm of rain.
- Dharamshala (Kangra): Recorded 1.1 mm of rain.
Thunderstorms and lightning were also observed in Kangra, Sundernagar, and Murari Devi.
On the temperature front, the state saw significant variations. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at a chilly 1.8 degrees Celsius. Conversely, Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 33.2 degrees Celsius. While most stations saw no major changes in temperature over the last 24 hours, some isolated pockets experienced maximum temperatures between 2 to 6 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm.