Rain, thunderstorm lash several areas in state

Weather turned rough this evening as rain, thunderstorm and hailstone lashed several parts of the state. Following change in weather, the weather department has issued an orange alert over the next 12 hours for light to moderate rains, gusty winds, thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places in the districts of Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba.

The department has also issued an advisory regarding the potential damage of thunderstorm, gusty winds and lightning on horticulture and other standing crops.

In the evening, Shimla and surrounding places received rain accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds. Hailstorm has also been reported from some nearby places. Over the next one week, light rain is very likely at few places in south-east part and light rain in north-west part of the state. Rainfall is likely to be normal to below normal in the upper hills and normal to above normal in the mid hills/lower hills/plain during the first week of the month.

Despite the forecast for rain and thunderstorm over the next few days, the weather department is expecting above normal heat wave days over many parts of low hills/plains and adjoining mid hills of the state and near normal heat wave days over rest parts of the state during May. Rain is likely to be above normal over many parts of low hills/plains and adjoining mid hills and near normal over rest parts of the state this month.

Meanwhile, April saw deficient precipitation (-36 per cent) with 40.8 mm actual rainfall as against 64.0 mm normal rainfall.

Himachal Tribune