The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain in isolated higher areas of Himachal Pradesh over the next two days. It has also warned of a longer dry spell and rising temperatures across the state after May 18.
IMD Head Shobhit Katiyar said no major weather activity is expected in most parts of the state over the next three days. However, he added that isolated light rain may occur in higher hill districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kullu.
He said from May 18 to May 23, the weather in Himachal Pradesh is likely to remain dry. He added that rainfall activity may return after May 24 due to a fresh western disturbance.
Katiyar said at present, daytime temperatures are between 30–35°C in lower hills and plains, 24–30°C in mid-hill areas, and 18–24°C in higher regions. He further said temperatures are expected to rise steadily over the next week because there are no active weather systems. He added that in the next 3–4 days, temperatures in lower hills and plain areas may reach around 40°C. He said Una recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C on Thursday, while nearby areas saw temperatures between 34°C and 35°C.
According to the IMD official, Himachal Pradesh has received above-normal rainfall so far in May. Between May 1 and May 14, the state received about 37 mm of rain against the normal 33 mm, which is around 13 per cent above normal.
However, cumulative pre-monsoon rainfall from March 1 to May 14 stood at 197 mm against the normal 210 mm. This shows a shortfall of nearly 6 per cent, he added.
Katiyar said no heatwave warning has been issued so far. However, heatwave-like conditions may develop in some isolated areas between May 20 and May 22. He also said a heatwave alert may be issued in the next one to two days depending on how the weather develops.
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