Shimla, July 28: The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of Himachal Pradesh failed to materialise across much of the state's apple belt on Monday, raising fresh questions over the accuracy of district-level weather predictions.
Despite an Orange Alert warning of intense monsoon activity, several apple-growing areas, including Shimla city and adjoining orchard regions, experienced only brief spells of light spells during the morning hours.
IMD Preduction of very heavy and heavy rains are hitting tourist arrivals in Himachal, said a homestary operator at Theog.
Even farmers say IMD prediction has kept them on tenterhooks, whether or not to halt harvesting and spraying.
As the day progressed, the skies gradually cleared, and no significant rainfall was reported in Shimla or large parts of the apple belt till around 5 pm.
The subdued weather came in sharp contrast to the forecast that had warned of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 28 and 30, prompting concerns among orchardists and residents over possible disruptions.
Barring parts of Mandi and Sirmaur and Chopal in Shimla district, IMD warning of heavy rains didn't hold ground, said farmers.
Apple growers said the expected heavy rain never arrived, with only isolated, weak showers reported in some pockets.
The largely moderate conditions also meant that fears of rain-related damage to horticultural operations remained unfounded during the day.
While weather conditions can change rapidly during the monsoon and isolated areas may still receive heavy rainfall later in the evening or night, Monday's daytime conditions across Shimla and much of the apple-growing belt remained far milder than predicted.
