The capital of Shimla recorded its coldest April night in nearly 46 years, with the minimum temperature plunging to 3.6°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Over the past 24 hours, minimum temperatures in higher reaches dipped to as low as minus 1°C, while several regions, including Shimla, recorded temperatures 4-5 degrees below normal.
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Data from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla showed that the latest dip breaks a long-standing record, with a comparable low last seen in 1979, when temperatures had fallen to around 3.4°C.
Speaking to ANI, IMD Himachal Pradesh head Shobhit Katiyar said persistent rainfall and snowfall over the past two to three days triggered a sharp drop in temperatures across the state.
“In Shimla, the maximum temperature settled at 11.4°C, the lowest April daytime temperature in around 11-12 years. A similar reading was last recorded around 2015,” he said.
Katiyar added that such a low minimum temperature in April is rare. “Long-term data suggests such conditions were last observed in 1979, indicating a drop of this magnitude after about 46-47 years,”
The impact of successive western disturbances has been visible across Himachal Pradesh, bringing widespread rainfall and snowfall, particularly in higher-altitude regions.
Daytime temperatures in several parts have dropped by 10-12°C over the past few days.
Rainfall has also remained above normal. Between March 1 and April 10, the state recorded 149 mm of rainfall against the normal 136 mm-about 9% higher. In April alone, rainfall is currently 142% above normal, though officials said this does not qualify as a record-breaking event.
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Snowfall during April is not unusual in higher reaches such as Lahaul, Kullu, Chamba and Kinnaur. Within Shimla district, areas like Khadarala have also witnessed April snowfall in previous years, including 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2021.
The IMD has forecast largely clear weather over plains and mid-hill regions for the next five to seven days, with sunny conditions expected. However, isolated higher-altitude areas may see light rain or snowfall on April 11 and 12.
A fresh western disturbance is likely between April 16 and 18, though its impact is expected to remain limited to higher reaches, with only light precipitation in adjoining areas. No heavy rainfall or snowfall is anticipated, the IMD added.
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