Weather – Shimla Sees Record-Breaking Coldest April Night In Decades
Weather – Shimla witnessed an unexpected spell of cold weather as temperatures dropped sharply, marking one of the chilliest April nights in recent memory.
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, experienced an unusually cold night over the past 24 hours, with the minimum temperature falling to 3.6°C. This marks the lowest April temperature recorded in the city in nearly 46 years, highlighting a significant deviation from normal seasonal conditions.
Unusual Temperature Drop Raises Concerns
According to data from the local Meteorological Centre, such a steep drop in April temperatures is extremely rare. The last similar instance dates back to 1979, when the mercury had fallen to around 3.4°C. This year’s sudden chill has therefore drawn attention from both weather experts and residents, as April is typically associated with milder conditions in the region.
Officials noted that both nighttime and daytime temperatures have dipped significantly. The maximum temperature recorded in Shimla was just 11.4°C, making it one of the coldest April days in more than a decade. Comparable daytime conditions were last observed around 2015.
Rain and Snowfall Behind the Cold Spell
Meteorologists attribute this unusual weather pattern to continuous rainfall and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past few days. The influence of western disturbances has been particularly strong, leading to widespread precipitation in several districts, especially in higher altitude areas.
As a result, temperatures across multiple regions have dropped sharply, with some areas witnessing a decline of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in daytime readings. Higher reaches reported even colder conditions, with temperatures falling to as low as minus 1°C in the last 24 hours.
Rainfall Above Seasonal Average
The state has also recorded higher-than-normal rainfall this season. Between March 1 and April 10, Himachal Pradesh received approximately 149 mm of rainfall, compared to the usual average of 136 mm. This reflects an increase of around 9 percent over normal levels.
April alone has seen a significant rise in precipitation, with rainfall reported at 142 percent above the seasonal average. However, officials clarified that despite the increase, the rainfall does not qualify as record-breaking when compared to historical extremes.
Snowfall in Higher Regions Not Uncommon
While the cold wave has surprised many, snowfall during April is not entirely unusual in certain parts of the state. Districts such as Lahaul, Kullu, Chamba, and Kinnaur frequently experience late-season snowfall due to their higher elevation.
Even within Shimla district, areas like Khadarala have recorded snowfall in April during previous years, including 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2021. This suggests that while the intensity of the current cold spell is rare, the presence of snow at this time of year is not unprecedented.
Forecast Points to Gradual Improvement
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department has indicated that weather conditions are expected to improve gradually. Clear skies and sunny weather are likely to return to the plains and mid-hill regions over the next five to seven days.
However, isolated areas in higher altitudes may continue to receive light rain or snowfall on April 11 and 12. Another western disturbance is expected between April 16 and 18, though its impact is predicted to be mild. Light precipitation may occur in select regions, but no heavy rainfall or snowfall is anticipated.
Stable Conditions Expected Ahead
Overall, weather activity across Himachal Pradesh is expected to remain relatively calm in the coming weeks. The IMD has forecast stable conditions for most parts of the state over the next 10 to 15 days, with no major disturbances likely to disrupt normal patterns.
While the recent cold spell stands out as an unusual event for April, experts suggest that conditions should gradually return to seasonal norms as the influence of western disturbances weakens.