Orange alert for heavy rain, hailstorm from April 18

The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and hailstorm at isolated places in various districts of the state on April 18 and 19. While the department is expecting heavy rainfall in the districts of Chamba, Kangra and Kullu on April 18 and 19 and in Mandi district on April 19, the alert for hailstorm is for Shimla, Kullu, Chamba and Kangra districts on April 18 and 19.

The alert for heavy rainfall and hailstorm has made fruit growers worried, especially in the mid and high altitude areas where apple orchards are going through the flowering phase. Heavy rain and hailstorm, coupled with a slump in temperatures, can have an adverse effect on fruit setting.

Meanwhile, there’s also a possibility of a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40 kmph to 50 kmph) at isolated places in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts from April 18 to 20.

There’s also a possibility of light to moderate snowfall at many places, with a few moderate-to-intense spells in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts and in the higher reaches of Chamba and Kullu districts from April 18 to 20.

From April 18 to 20, maximum temperatures are likely to fall by 5°C to 7°C in many parts of the state. The temperatures will rise by 4°C or 5°C after April 20 in some parts of the state. Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 3°C or 4°C in some parts of the state till April 20 and thereafter fall by 2°C or 3°C in some parts of the state.

Until now, the weather has been conducive for flowering in apple and stone fruits. As a result, the lower elevations have seen good fruit setting this season.

Himachal Tribune