Shimla/Una:
A searing heatwave has swept across Himachal Pradesh, leaving even the cooler mid-hill towns reeling under unusually high temperatures.
Una on Wednesday recorded a staggering 44.2°C, the hottest in the state and among the highest ever for June, while Neri (Hamirpur) followed close behind at 43.3°C.
Even in areas usually considered weather havens—like Mandi (39.5°C) and Kangra (40.2°C)—the mercury continued to defy expectations.
The capital Shimla wasn’t spared either, with the thermometer touching 30.5°C, which is nearly 5 degrees above normal.
Tourist hotspots such as Dharamshala (35.1°C), Kasauli (31.8°C), Manali (29°C), and even Chamba saw an unexpected spike in temperatures, disrupting travel plans and causing discomfort for visitors and locals alike.
The Health Department has issued advisories urging people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep hydrated, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Dry Spell, No Respite Till June 13
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, there is no immediate relief in sight.
The heatwave is expected to continue through June 12, with a possible change only around June 13, when isolated pre-monsoon showers could hit parts of Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts.
Climate Experts Concerned
Experts are raising red flags about this persistent pattern of early and intense heat in Himachal, which they say reflects deepening climate stress in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
"Such prolonged hot spells in June are not just rare—they're a warning. The traditional buffer that our altitude offered is thinning," said Dr. Nikhil Bhardwaj, a climate scientist at HPU.
Meanwhile, apple growers in mid-hills have started worrying about sunburn on fruits, a condition triggered by extreme heat, especially in areas like Kotkhai, Rohru, and Theog.
