Himachal Pradesh sees coldest May in 36 years

Higher reaches witnessed subzero temperatures, Shimla, Manali, Kalpa, Dharamshala, Una & Palampur record lowest day & night temperatures

With Himachal Pradesh experiencing unseasonal snowfall and rains in recent days, the first nine days of May were coldest and wettest after a gap of 36 years, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) data revealed.

A thick layer of snow covered a vehicle after a fresh snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti district on Tuesday. (ANI)

The state witnessed below normal minimum and maximum temperatures during these days and the last time mercury plunged this low in May was in 1987.

While the higher reaches witnessed subzero temperatures, major towns such as Shimla, Manali, Kalpa, Dharamshala, Una and Palampur have recorded lowest day and night temperatures.

However, the frequent western disturbance, the weather phenomenon which brings rain in the northwest Himalayas during winters in April, led to the state recording 63% surplus rains.

According to IMD’s Shimla Centre director Surender Paul, the maximum temperatures in the first nine days of May were recorded between 8 and 36°C.

Normally, the temperatures during this time of the year soar above 40°C.

Coldest May nights in Dharamshala, Keylong

Paul said Dharamshala saw the coldest night after 14 years.

The minimum temperature in Dharamshala on May 1 and 8 was recorded 8.4°C, thus breaking the record of 8.7°C on May 6, 2009.

Keylong reported a temperature of minus 2.6°C on May 9 thereby breaking the record of minus 1.6°C on May 2, 2019.

Brace for more rains, snow

The MeT department has forecast another spell of snow and rain from May 12 with a yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightning on May 13 and 14.

Meanwhile, the state recorded light rainfall in isolated pockets on Tuesday night as well.

Bharmour in Chamba experienced 5.4mm rainfall followed by 4mm in state capital Shimla and 2.8mm in Nichar.