Rain, hailstorm bring relief across Himachal

Shimla: Light to moderate rainfall lashed parts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday, bringing relief from the heat as maximum temperatures dipped across several stations in the state. Hailstorms were also reported in Karsog and Rohru.Light rain was recorded in parts of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur, Kangra, Shimla, Hamirpur, Solan and Sirmaur districts.According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, maximum temperatures dropped by up to 6.3°C on Friday in some areas following the change in weather. Dharamshala recorded a maximum temperature of 30° — a fall of 5°C in 24 hours, while Manali's maximum temperature remained 24.6°C — a decline of 4.8°C.Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 25°C, while Kufri recorded one of the steepest drops of 6.3°C by recording a temperature of 17.8°C. Kangra, Berthin and Nahan also witnessed notable declines in maximum temperatures at 32.5°C, 33.2°C and 33.2°C, respectively.Una remained the hottest place in the state at 39.6°C.The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at many places in the middle hills and at a few places in the high hills and low hills on Saturday.Light rain activity is likely to continue at isolated places till June 4. Higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and upper areas of Kullu and Mandi may also receive light rain or snowfall during the period.The weather department also issued a yellow alert for hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in districts including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur on Saturday.Officials said maximum temperatures are likely to fall further by 2-5°C over the next two to three days, bringing more relief from the prevailing heat conditions. However, temperatures are expected to rise subsequenlty.MSID:: 131392520 413 |