Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm likely; orange alert issued

Shimla, April 19: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla has issued an orange alert, warning of light to moderate rain, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and hail in isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next two to three hours. Light rainfall was reported in some parts of the state in the previous 24 hours. 

On April 11, a top IMD scientist said that India is likely to experience a normal monsoon this year. On Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh had a maximum and minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

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The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecasted light to heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state in the next five days. Thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely to occur over the plains, and low and mid hills on April 17 and 18. Heavy rain is expected to occur over the low and mid hills on April 18 and 19.

The bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre also warned of potential damage to standing crops, fruit plants, and new plantings due to hailstorms, and advised farmers to follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the concerned departments. People have been asked to take adequate safety measures as rainfall activity is likely to increase from April 17, accompanied by thunderstorms. Hail is also likely to occur in the low and mid hills of the state at isolated places.