IMD Sounds Fresh Hail Storms or Squall Alert for April 18-21 — Apple Farmers on Edge After April 16 Squall Wreaked Havoc... what will happen next?
Shimla, April 18, 2025:
Barely recovering from the unexpected squall on April 16 that left a trail of destruction across Himachal’s apple belt and other fruit-growing regions, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh Orange Alert for April 18 to 21, warning of heavy rainfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several districts.
The Forecast: What to Expect?
According to the IMD bulletin issued at 3:30 PM today, an active western disturbance is likely to trigger light to moderate rain at most places, with isolated heavy showers, hail, and strong winds reaching 50–60 km/h (gusting to 70 km/h) in many mid and high hill districts.
High-Risk Districts Alerted
Chamba, Kangra, Kullu: Heavy rainfall and hailstorm likely from the night of April 18 till midnight of April 19.
Mandi: Heavy rain likely on April 19.
Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla: Hailstorm and thunderstorm activity during the night of April 18 till April 19.
Lahaul-Spiti: Moderate to heavy snowfall and strong surface winds between April 18 and April 21.
Kinnaur, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur: Likely to witness thunderstorms with gusty winds on April 19 and 20.
IMD Issues Orange Alerts For:
Heavy Rainfall: Localized landslides, flash floods, and road blockages likely in mid and high hills.
Hailstorm: High risk of damage to horticulture crops and fruit orchards — especially apples and stone fruits.
Thunderstorm & Lightning: Strong gusty winds may uproot trees, damage rooftops and powerlines; travel disruptions likely.
Flashback: April 16 Squall – A Wake-Up Call for Farmers
The sudden squall on April 16 hit parts of Shimla, Kullu, and Kinnaur with powerful gusts and sharp hail, causing massive damage to:
Apple and stone fruit blossoms, just as flowering was nearing peak.
Pea crops and vegetable patches in lower regions.
Support structures, hail nets, and bee boxes — many got uprooted or damaged overnight.
Farmers, especially those in Jubbal-Kotkhai, Theog, Rohru, Kullu-Manali, and Rampur belts, were caught completely unaware.
“The storm stripped petals and young fruitlets — it felt like a cruel joke from nature,” said Deepak Banchaik, an orchardist from Shilgrahan Shantha, in Chopal, who'se anti hail nets and boundary fence were uprooted.
Advisories for Farmers & Locals:
Use hail nets/caps immediately — do not wait till the storm starts.
Shift livestock to safe shelters.
Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near rivers or landslide-prone zones.
Clear orchard floors of debris to reduce fungal risk after rain.
Stay updated with latest IMD alerts and district administration advisories.
Secure bee boxes and pruning equipment.
Temperature Drop Also Expected
Maximum temperature may fall by 5–7°C across many parts of the state between April 19–21.
Minimum temperature likely to drop by 3–4°C, increasing frost risk at higher altitudes.
With apple flowering peaking in most orchards and bees active for pollination, the upcoming storm system could not have come at a worse time.
The farming community, already bruised by climate shocks, is fending for itself, no compensation nor relief and no aid from state and Centre yet again.
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