Scorching heatwave tightens its grip over Himachal Pradesh
The scorching heatwave tightened its grip over Himachal Pradesh, with Neri in Hamirpur stealing the spotlight by sizzling at a scorching 40.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded in the region. Una and Bilaspur also sweltered under the oppressive heat, nearing the 40-degree mark at 39.2 degrees Celsius each.
Meanwhile, Shimla stood at 26.6 degrees, Jubberhati airport at 29 degrees, Manali at 25 degrees, Dharmshala at 31 degrees, and Mandi at 35 degrees Celsius. The mercury surge wasn’t confined to these areas alone; rather, it engulfed various regions across the state, escalating discomfort for residents and travelers alike. In the mid and foothills, temperatures rose three to four degrees higher than the previous day, intensifying the heatwave’s impact.
However, amidst the scalding heat, nature provided a fleeting reprieve with light rain showers in select pockets of the state. Kukemseri in Lahaul Spiti received 3 mm of rainfall, while Chamba and Keylong in Lahaul Spiti recorded 2 mm and 1 mm respectively. Though modest in scale, these showers offered a brief moment of relief from the relentless heatwave.
Alongside the rise in temperatures, partly cloudy skies intermittently cast shadows over the landscape. While these clouds offered temporary relief from the direct glare of the sun, they also reminded residents of the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of weather patterns.
Despite the heat, Shimla and Manali experienced a surge in tourist footfall over the weekend. Dharmshala, already hosting an IPL match, saw its stadium filled. According to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, all tickets for the stadium were sold out, with special flights ferrying cricket fans to the venue.
