Himachal likely to see above normal rainfall in May, says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Himachal Pradesh will receive above normal rainfall during the month of May. The forecast suggests that most parts of the state are likely to experience more rain than usual, along with changing temperature patterns across different regions.

According to the IMD office in Shimla, weather conditions will vary depending on the terrain. While the plains and mid-hill areas are expected to see normal to below normal daytime temperatures, the higher hill regions may experience slightly higher than usual maximum temperatures.

At the same time, night temperatures across many parts of the state are expected to remain above normal. However, some areas in districts like Chamba and Kangra may continue to see normal minimum temperatures.

This mixed weather pattern reflects the unique geography of Himachal Pradesh, where altitude plays a major role in shaping local climate conditions.

Rainfall trends and recent weather patterns

The forecast comes after a month of near-normal rainfall in April. The state recorded around 66.3 mm of rainfall last month, which is slightly above the normal average of 64 mm. This makes it one of the higher rainfall records for April in the state over the past century.

Rainfall distribution in April was not uniform across all districts. Some areas received significantly higher rainfall than usual. Districts like Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur saw large excess rainfall. Kangra also recorded more rain than normal.

On the other hand, districts such as Chamba and Kullu received rainfall close to normal levels. Meanwhile, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti experienced lower than normal rainfall, showing a clear variation across regions.

In the past 24 hours, many places in the state have already received light to moderate rainfall. Palampur recorded the highest rainfall at 30 mm, followed by Rampur with 29 mm and Sarahan with 28.7 mm. Other areas like Rohru, Bilaspur, and Dharamshala also saw noticeable rainfall.

These recent showers are part of a larger weather pattern that is expected to continue over the coming days.

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Storm alerts and temperature changes ahead

The IMD has also issued warnings for the next few days. An orange alert has been announced for several districts, including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. This alert indicates the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and strong winds.

Gusty winds and sudden weather changes may affect daily life, especially in hilly areas where such conditions can disrupt transport and power supply. Authorities have advised people to stay cautious during this period.

The department has also predicted that wet weather conditions will continue in parts of the state until May 9. Higher altitude regions may experience light rain or even snowfall, while mid-hill and plain areas are expected to receive light rainfall over the next few days.

Due to this active weather system, temperatures are also expected to fluctuate. In the next two to three days, maximum temperatures in many areas may drop by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. This could bring temporary relief from the heat.

However, after this short cooling period, temperatures are likely to rise again by 3 to 6 degrees over the following few days. This pattern of falling and rising temperatures is common during transitional weather periods in the region.

Recent weather activity has already caused some disruptions. In Shimla, strong winds and rain uprooted a tree near Jakhoo, which fell on power lines and caused electricity outages in the area. Such incidents highlight the impact of sudden weather changes, especially in mountainous regions.

The IMD has advised residents and tourists to remain alert and follow safety precautions. People are encouraged to avoid taking shelter under trees during storms and to stay indoors when lightning activity is high.

Farmers and local authorities are also being advised to plan their activities carefully, as heavy rain and hail can affect crops and infrastructure.

Overall, the weather outlook for Himachal Pradesh in May suggests an active month with frequent rainfall, temperature changes and occasional storms. While the rain can benefit water resources and agriculture, it also brings challenges such as travel disruptions and weather-related risks.

By staying informed and prepared, residents can manage these changes more effectively. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to help people stay safe during this period of changing weather.