Shimla: The weather gods have gone moody in Himachal Pradesh.
While the low hills continue to roast under a severe heatwave, the mid and high-altitude regions—especially the apple-growing belt of Dhimla and Kullu-Manali—witnessed sudden rains and isolated hailstorms on Wednesday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded alerts for more unseasonal twists ahead.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin for June 12, the mercury stayed well above normal in Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with Una recording a searing 43.5°C. Even hill stations weren’t spared—Shimla sizzled at 29°C, and Dharamshala clocked 35°C.
Orange and yellow alerts remain in place for multiple districts over the next 48 hours.
But in stark contrast, parts of Shimla, Kullu, and Lahaul witnessed light to moderate showers, accompanied by gusty winds and hail in some pockets.
Farmers in the apple-growing zones of Dhimla and upper Manali region reported hailstone damage to early fruit, sparking fresh worries about crop loss.
“It came without warning—strong winds, sudden showers, and then hail. We’re checking our orchards for fruit drop,” said Ramesh Thakur, an orchardist from Phagli in the Shimla hills.
☀️ Heatwave Today, Rain Tomorrow
The IMD forecast predicts a transitional phase between the heatwave and incoming monsoon-like patterns.
From June 14 onwards, scattered rain, thunderstorms, and winds up to 40 km/h are expected across Himachal, especially in Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Chamba.
Western disturbances and moisture from the Arabian Sea are likely to trigger widespread convection activity, leading to occasional hailstorms, particularly in the mid and high hills.
“There’s relief in sight, but also risk. Farmers must stay alert to sudden weather shifts this week,” warned an IMD official from Shimla Met Centre.
📅 Forecast Snapshot (June 12–18)
June 12–13: Hot and dry in lower hills, with possible thunderstorms in upper regions
June 14–15: Increasing cloud cover, likely rain and isolated hailstorms
June 16–18: Scattered showers and easing of heatwave conditions
🍎 Apple Belt Alert
The vulnerable apple-growing districts—Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur—are especially under watch.
Hail during fruit-setting stages could cause major economic loss. The Horticulture Department has urged farmers to use anti-hail nets and avoid chemical sprays during rains.
🧭 Advisory for Public
Avoid outdoor activity during peak sun hours in Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur
Tourists should check road conditions before travelling to high-altitude areas
Farmers must monitor real-time weather alerts and shield orchards
Himachal’s weather is in flux—heatwave conditions may ease, but not without the risk of thunderstorms and hail, especially in fruit belts. For the mountains, relief and ruin are now riding the same cloud.
#HimachalWeather #AppleBeltHailstorm #Heatwave2025 #RainAlertHP
