Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: Rain and Storms Expected Till May 10; Orange Alert in 5 Districts, Apple and Vegetable Crops Hit

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms forecast to continue across Himachal Pradesh; temperatures drop sharply, farmers and orchardists express concern over crop losses.

Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms to Continue Across Himachal Till May 10

Shimla, May 5 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unsettled weather in Himachal Pradesh until May 10, with repeated spells of rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms likely to affect most districts in the coming days. A strengthening western disturbance, expected to become more active starting May 6, will result in an extended period of adverse weather conditions, causing further temperature drops and raising alarm among farmers and horticulturists.

While today’s western disturbance has shown signs of temporary weakening, light rain is still likely in some areas. However, from tomorrow onward, a renewed surge in storm activity is expected to re-intensify, bringing back strong winds, lightning, and moderate to heavy rainfall across multiple districts.

Orange Alert for 5 Districts on May 6–7; Yellow Alerts Extended Till May 10

The IMD has issued a two-day Orange Alert (May 6–7) for the following districts:

• Chamba

• Kangra

• Kullu

• Mandi

• Shimla

These regions are likely to experience:

• Heavy rainfall

• Thunderstorms with lightning

• Strong winds at speeds of 50–60 km/h

For the remaining districts, a Yellow Alert is in place, cautioning of moderate rainfall and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h. This Yellow Alert continues through May 8 to May 10, with light to moderate weather activity expected to persist throughout the week.

The IMD has advised residents and travelers, particularly in mountainous and landslide-prone areas, to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during storm periods.

Temperature Drops Significantly Across the State

With continuous rainfall since May 1, Himachal Pradesh has seen a marked decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures:

• Solan recorded a temperature of 20.0°C, which is 10.5°C below normal.

• Mandi registered 27.8°C, 5°C below average.

• Several other towns, including Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali, also reported maximum temperatures well below seasonal norms.

The cold and wet weather has disrupted normal routines and forced residents to revert to winter clothing and heating arrangements even in May.

Crop Damage Sparks Concern Among Farmers and Orchardists

The ongoing spell of rain and hail has had a devastating impact on agriculture and horticulture, especially in upper and mid-Himalayan zones:

• In Shimla district, apple orchards have suffered significant damage due to hailstorms and prolonged moisture exposure.

• Vegetable crops, particularly peas and cauliflower, have been destroyed in parts of Solan, Kullu, and Chamba, threatening local livelihoods and market supplies.

• Farmers and orchardists have expressed concern over the forecast of continuing inclement weather, which could further exacerbate losses during this crucial crop growth period.

Agricultural experts from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry and the Department of Agriculture have been assessing the damage and advising on mitigation measures, including drainage improvement, crop coverage, and insurance claims.

The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to initiate a special compensation survey following the forecast period, to provide relief to affected farmers.

Advisory and Precautionary Measures

In light of the weather forecast, the IMD and local authorities have issued the following advisories:

• Avoid open fields and hill slopes during lightning and strong winds

• Secure loose items such as tin sheets, temporary structures, and nets in orchards

• Farmers are advised to delay pesticide sprays and harvest only when weather conditions stabilize

• Tourists are requested to exercise caution in areas prone to landslides or river swelling, particularly near high-altitude regions

Local administrations in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi have put disaster response teams on standby and are coordinating with weather monitoring agencies to provide real-time updates.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh faces a critical weather phase with active western disturbances triggering prolonged rain and storm activity till May 10. With Orange Alerts in place for five districts and significant agricultural losses already reported, residents are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions. As the cold, stormy conditions persist, authorities are focusing on damage control, relief measures, and public safety in the hilly terrain.