Himachal Pradesh is set to experience a significant weather shift as a western disturbance is expected to become active from Sunday night. The Meteorological Department has forecast rain over the next four days, with the heaviest precipitation expected between June 4 and 6. The weather change is anticipated to provide much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave, especially in the lower regions of the State.
In anticipation of the weather changes, a storm alert has also been issued for the next three days in certain areas.
However, on Sunday, most regions, excluding the higher altitudes, will experience clear skies. Despite this, heatwave conditions persist in some areas, prompting a yellow alert for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and the lower regions of Sirmaur district.
Hamirpur’s Neri region recorded a scorching 46.1 degrees Celsius, while Una hit 44.2 degrees, Bilaspur 42.1 degrees, Hamirpur town 42 degrees, Dhaula Kuan 41.3 degrees, and Barthi 40.8 degrees. Over the past 18 days, 16 days have been marked by heatwave conditions. No heatwave alerts are in place for any district from Monday.
Currently, temperatures in six cities across the State exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Many cities are experiencing temperatures up to six degrees above normal, with Mandi witnessing a significant rise of 6.2 degrees above average. Similarly, Shimla is 4.3 degrees above normal, Sundernagar 5.4 degrees, Una 5.5 degrees, Nahan 4.5 degrees, Solan 5.1 degrees, Bilaspur 4.8 degrees, and Hamirpur 5.7 degrees above the average temperature.
As residents brace for potential storms and rain, the forecasted weather change offers a silver lining, promising respite from the intense heat and bringing cooler, more pleasant conditions to the region.
Meanwhile, the sweltering heatwave in the plains has driven a surge of tourists towards the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala are witnessing a significant influx of visitors seeking refuge from the scorching temperatures. This influx has led to crowded streets, packed hotels, and bustling local markets, as tourists take advantage of the cooler mountain climate. The state’s tourism industry is experiencing a boom as travelers from neighboring states flock to the hills, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
However, the sudden increase in tourist numbers has also put a strain on local infrastructure. Traffic congestion, increased demand for accommodations, and pressure on public amenities are some of the challenges being faced by these popular tourist spots.
As the weather patterns shift and rain brings relief, both locals and tourists in Himachal Pradesh are hopeful for more comfortable and cooler days ahead. The western disturbance not only promises to alleviate the heat but also revitalizes the scenic beauty of the region, making it an even more attractive escape for those looking to beat the summer heat.
