The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast light rainfall in isolated higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh for the next two days [1].
This shift in weather patterns affects agricultural planning and public health in the region, as the state transitions from recent storm activity to a period of intense heat.
According to the IMD, a dry spell will begin after May 18 [2]. During this period, temperatures in the lower hills may touch 40 °C [2]. This heat follows a volatile period earlier in the month, which included rain and hailstorm forecasts from May 11 to May 14 [3].
Officials previously issued a yellow alert for May 12 specifically for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi [3]. The recent fluctuations are attributed to the movement of western disturbances — weather systems that bring precipitation to the Indian subcontinent.
The current light rain is expected to be brief. The IMD said rain is likely to resume after May 24 due to another western disturbance [2].
The regional weather cycle remains unstable. While the higher reaches will see minimal activity over the next 48 hours, the lower elevations are bracing for a significant temperature spike before the next system arrives late in the month [1], [2].
“Temperatures in the lower hills may touch 40 °C”
The transition from a yellow-alert storm phase to a 40 °C dry spell indicates high atmospheric volatility in Himachal Pradesh. This rapid swing between extreme moisture and heat can stress local crops and increase the risk of wildfires in the lower hill regions before the next western disturbance brings relief.
