SHIMLA: Fresh spell of rain has kept temperatures across Himachal Pradesh below normal, bringing much-needed relief from the early summer heat even as the weather office has predicted another Western Disturbance to hit the Western Himalayan region from May 10 onward.
Choordhar, Chanshal mountains in Shimla tourist circuit have snowfall still enveloping its slopes offering snowy holidays for trekkers. So are the Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel in Lahaul-Spiti in Manali tourist circuit.
According to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department Meteorological Centre Shimla, isolated rain activity was reported in several parts of the state during the past 24 hours.
Sarahan received the highest rainfall of 20 mm, followed by Rohru 12 mm, Pandoh 11 mm, Kasol 9 mm and Mandi 6.4 mm. Thunderstorm and lightning activity was also recorded in Shimla, Jubberhatti, Sundernagar, Kangra, Bhuntar and Jot.
The weather remained noticeably cooler across the hill state. Maximum temperatures in most places stayed 2 to 6 degrees Celsius below normal, while minimum temperatures at several stations were also below seasonal averages.
Una remained the hottest place in the state at 33 degrees Celsius, whereas Keylong shivered at a chilly 3.6 degrees Celsius.
Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 21.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius, both below normal for this time of the year. Dharamshala, Nahan, Solan and Manali too witnessed cooler-than-usual weather conditions.
The Met office said no major weather warning has been issued for the next four days and dry weather is likely to prevail in many parts of the state. However, from May 11 onward, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely at isolated places as a fresh Western Disturbance approaches the region.
Meteorologists said two upper air cyclonic circulations — one over central Pakistan and adjoining south Punjab and another over north Haryana — are currently influencing weather conditions in north India.
These systems are helping maintain relatively mild temperatures over Himachal Pradesh despite the onset of May heat in the plains.
