Hail and Heavy Rain Batter Shimla, April Rainfall Surges Up to 198% Above Normal

Key facts

• Heavy hail and rain hit Shimla district on April 30, with Kufri and Theog areas pounded by hailstones around 1-2 PM.
• Shimla experienced intense rain and light hail at 2:45 PM, causing daytime darkness.
• Hail accumulated to a three-inch layer in Kufri, leading to slippery roads.
• Apple, cauliflower, and pea crops were destroyed by the hailstorm.
• The India Meteorological Department issued a three-hour alert for thunderstorms and hail in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.
• Yellow alerts for rain and storms are in place for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
• From April 1 to 29, Bilaspur recorded 198% above-normal rainfall; Solan 171%, Shimla 72%, Sirmaur 86%, Kangra 58%, Hamirpur 87%, Mandi 72%, and Una 71%.
• Maximum temperatures across the state dropped 4.1°C below normal; Bhuntar saw a 9.5°C drop to 20.4°C, Manali 6.3°C to 17°C, Mandi 7.8°C to 26.8°C, and Solan 5.6°C to 25.0°C.

Hailstorm Strikes Shimla District

On the afternoon of April 30, heavy hail and rain lashed several areas of Shimla district, with Kufri and Theog bearing the brunt between 1 and 2 PM. By 2:45 PM, Shimla city itself experienced intense rainfall accompanied by light hail, plunging the area into an eerie daytime darkness. The hailstorm left a three-inch-thick layer of hailstones on the ground in Kufri, making roads dangerously slippery. The sudden weather event has devastated local agriculture. Apple orchards, along with cauliflower and pea fields, were reported destroyed by the hail. The damage comes at a critical time for apple growers, as the crop is in its early development stage.

Temperature Plummets Across Himachal

The rain and hail have triggered a sharp drop in temperatures across the state. The maximum temperature in Himachal Pradesh has fallen 4.1 degrees Celsius below the seasonal normal. Bhuntar recorded the steepest decline, with temperatures dropping 9.5°C to settle at 20.4°C. Manali saw a 6.3°C fall to 17°C, Mandi dropped 7.8°C to 26.8°C, and Solan fell 5.6°C to 25.0°C. The cooler conditions have brought relief from the scorching heat in the plains, where residents had been enduring unusually high temperatures earlier in April. The respite, however, comes at the cost of damaged crops and disrupted daily life.

IMD Issues Alerts for Multiple Districts

The India Meteorological Department has issued a three-hour warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. A yellow alert has been declared for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts, cautioning residents about potential storms and rainfall. While Shimla, Manali, and Mandi continue to experience inclement weather, clear skies and sunshine, highlighting the patchy nature of the weather system. The IMD forecasts that rain will continue intermittently across the state for the next six days, with wind speeds reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour during storms.

April Rainfall Far Exceeds Normal in Most Districts

Data from the IMD for April 1 to 29 reveals that most districts in Himachal Pradesh received significantly above-normal rainfall. Bilaspur topped the list with 198% above normal, followed by Solan at 171%, Sirmaur 86%, Hamirpur 87%, Shimla and Mandi both at 72%, Kangra 58%, and Una 71%. In contrast, Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur recorded below-normal precipitation. In the 24 hours ending April 29, six districts—Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi—received rainfall, contributing to the temperature drop. The heavy April rains have been a departure from the usual pre-monsoon pattern, raising concerns about the impact on horticulture and agriculture.

Outlook: More Rain and Storms Expected Until May 5

The IMD predicts that light drizzle will continue across the state on April 30, May 1, and May 2. A stronger western disturbance is expected to become active on May 3, bringing heavy rain and storms. A yellow alert has been issued for Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, and Mandi districts for that day, with widespread rain forecast for May 4 as well. Residents and farmers are bracing for further disruptions. The extended wet spell, while alleviating heat, poses risks to standing crops and infrastructure. The apple crop, already hit by hail, may face additional damage if heavy rain persists. The weather office has advised caution in vulnerable areas, particularly those prone to landslides and flash floods.

The bottom line

• A severe hailstorm on April 30 in Shimla district destroyed apple, cauliflower, and pea crops, with hail accumulation reaching three inches in Kufri.
• Temperatures across Himachal Pradesh dropped 4.1°C below normal, with Bhuntar recording a 9.5°C fall to 20.4°C.
• April rainfall was 198% above normal in Bilaspur and 171% above in Solan, while four districts saw below-normal precipitation.
• The IMD has issued yellow alerts for storms and rain in multiple districts, with a stronger western disturbance expected on May 3.
• Intermittent rain is forecast until May 5, providing relief from heat but threatening crops and causing hazardous road conditions.