Shimla, April 7: A fresh spell of unstable weather is set to grip Himachal Pradesh this week, with the Meteorological Centre warning of thunderstorms, gusty winds, hailstorms and even heavy rain at isolated places over the next few days, posing concerns for both farmers and tourists.
According to the weather bulletin issued on April 7, a Western Disturbance active over Jammu & Kashmir, along with another system over the Caspian Sea, is driving the current weather. The state is likely to witness widespread showers on April 7 and 8, followed by scattered rainfall activity till April 13.
The MeT office has warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph) are likely at isolated places on April 7 and 8, with the intensity gradually reducing thereafter. Hailstorm activity is also expected at isolated locations during the same period, while heavy rain may lash some pockets on April 8. ⁸⁹
The forecast also indicates that a fresh Western Disturbance will impact Northwest India from April 11, which could prolong the wet spell across the hills.
Recent weather paints grim picture
The past 24 hours have already seen moderate rainfall in parts of the state, with Sarahan receiving 38.5 mm, Bijahi 23 mm and Rohru 16 mm, while thunderstorms were reported in areas like Sundernagar and Bhuntar. Temperatures across Himachal remained 2–4°C below normal, indicating a sharp dip amid the wet conditions.
Advisory for farmers
The erratic weather, especially hailstorms and strong winds between April 7–9, could prove damaging for fruit crops—particularly apples, which are currently in the bud and early flowering stage in mid and higher reaches.
Farmers have been advised to:
Protect orchards with anti-hail nets wherever possible
Avoid spraying pesticides during rain or strong winds
Ensure proper drainage in orchards to prevent root diseases
Monitor weather updates closely before undertaking any field operations
Advisory for tourists
Tourists heading to popular destinations like Shimla, Kullu, Manali and higher reaches should remain cautious as:
Sudden showers and thunderstorms may disrupt travel plans
Slippery roads and reduced visibility could pose risks in hilly terrain
Gusty winds may affect outdoor activities and sightseeing
Visitors are advised to carry warm clothing, rain gear, and check road and weather conditions before travel.
While April is typically a pleasant spring month in Himachal, the current spell—driven by back-to-back Western Disturbances—has brought an unusual stretch of rain, storms and temperature drop, and the situation is likely to remain unsettled till at least April 11–13.
In short, Himachal is in for a rough weather week—good for water recharge, but a worrying sign for fragile mountain agriculture and peak tourist movement.
