Shimla records higher night temperature than several towns; rain and snowfall likely in higher reaches in coming days
An unusual spell of heat has gripped parts of Himachal Pradesh in the first week of March, with temperatures rising sharply across many districts and even hill stations experiencing warmer nights.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, maximum temperatures during the past 24 hours were recorded 5 to 15 degrees Celsius above normal at most stations, while minimum temperatures remained 3 to 9 degrees Celsius above normal. Continuous clear skies and bright sunshine have led to a rapid increase in daytime temperatures across the state.
The capital city, Shimla, recorded a minimum temperature of 15.4°C, which was higher than many other towns in the state—an unusual situation for the hill station known for its cooler climate. Other minimum temperatures recorded included 11.1°C in Sundernagar, 10.1°C in Bhuntar, 12.0°C in Dharamshala, 13.5°C in Una, 13.4°C in Nahan, 11.2°C in Solan, 14.7°C in Kangra, 11.6°C in Mandi and 13.0°C in Bilaspur.
The rising temperatures have prompted the weather department to issue a yellow heatwave alert for March 6 and 7 in districts including Kullu district, Mandi district and Solan district.
Meteorologists said both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to increase by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in several parts of the state over the next two to three days. After this period, temperatures in the higher mountains and surrounding mid-hill regions may decline by 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, while other areas may see little change.
The weather department has also forecast light rain and snowfall at isolated places in higher reaches on March 7, 9 and 10. On March 11 and 12, light rain and snowfall may occur at isolated places in the mid and higher hill regions, along with light rain in some lower hill and plain areas.
In its extended forecast, the department said light rain and snowfall may occur in parts of the state between March 6 and 12, while light to moderate rain and snowfall are likely in many areas during the following week from March 13 to 19.
Rainfall during the second week is expected to remain normal in many areas, though some parts of Chamba district, Lahaul and Spiti district and Kullu district may receive above-normal precipitation, according to the Meteorological Department.
The early rise in temperatures in March has drawn attention as the hill state usually experiences mild conditions during this period before the onset of summer weather in April.
