SHIMLA: After a dry and pleasant spell across Himachal Pradesh, the weather is set to change from Monday as a fresh Western Disturbance approaches the western Himalayas, bringing thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms to many parts of the state over the next few days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast scattered to fairly widespread rain and thunderstorm activity between May 11 and May 15, with wind speeds likely to touch 40-50 kmph in isolated areas on May 12 and 13. Hailstorms are also likely at isolated places during this period.
The changing weather comes as a relief for lower hill areas reeling under rising temperatures, with Una, Paonta Sahib and Dehra Gopipur recording the highest maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, while Keylong remained the coldest at 5.4 degrees Celsius.
Tourists planning trips to Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Kinnaur have been advised to keep warm clothing and rain gear handy as sudden weather changes, gusty winds and reduced visibility may disrupt travel in higher reaches.
Adventure tourists and trekkers have especially been cautioned against venturing into exposed mountain slopes during thunderstorm activity.
For apple growers and farmers, the forecast has raised concern as hailstorms and strong winds during the flowering and fruit-setting stage could damage apple, stone fruit and vegetable crops in upper and mid-hill regions.
Farmers have been advised to secure anti-hail nets, avoid spraying operations during windy conditions and ensure proper drainage in orchards and fields.
The IMD said the state remained completely dry during the past 24 hours with no rainfall, snowfall, hailstorm or thunderstorm activity reported anywhere in Himachal Pradesh.
According to the forecast, weather is likely to remain unstable till May 15 before improving gradually towards the weekend.
