Rain and Hailstorm Alert: Srinagar, Jammu, and Shimla Brace for Thunderstorms – Is it Safe to Visit Hill Stations This Week?
The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) has issued new predictions for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and high winds to occur across parts of the Western Himalayan region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. According to the current forecast, there will be unstable weather conditions across these two mountain states over the coming days, with frequent rain, lightning strikes, and strong winds occurring in multiple tourist destinations within the hills.
What Weather Conditions Are Expected?
The latest bulletin released from the IMD today states that there is a likelihood of isolated thundersqualls and hailstorms occurring in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir from May 11 -13.
Current Predictions Include:
– Sudden evening thunderstorms
– Hailstorm activity in isolated parts of the western Himalayas
– Strong wind gusts of up to 50-60 km/h (approximately 31-37 mph)
– Heavy localized rain
– Poor visibility as a result of the weather
This period of weather instability is being caused by the combination of active western disturbances with pre-monsoon heat that is being experienced across North India.
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Which Travellers Should Be Extra Careful?
Extra caution should be exercised by:
– Families with children traveling
– Elderly travelers
– Those who self-drive vehicles along mountainous roads
– Trekking groups traveling at higher elevations
Mountain passes and mountain roads can become extremely hazardous during heavy rain or hail:
– Less traction due to rain/hail on the road
– Debris from landslides falling onto the road
– Thick fog causing very low visibility levels
Will the Weather Improve Soon?
According to current weather forecasts, the western Himalayas will continue to be subjected to unstable weather conditions for several days before conditions slowly begin to stabilize. Weather forecasts also indicate potential for continued isolated precipitation from the storms themselves even after they have self-terminated.
Final Words
Travelers seeking to go to hill stations in north India will generally find cooler than plain temperatures, however, this week’s weather conditions will likely be generically unstable. The best way for travelers to be safe is to prepare not be anxious about the unstable conditions. Travelers should expect sudden weather shifts, check updated weather forecasts on a regular basis, and plan travel routes to not like they would travel to a traditional Summer destination.
FAQs
1) Is hail expected in Shimla or the surrounding areas?
Yes, there is anticipated hail activity by the IMD across most of Himachal Pradesh.
2) Is moving to Srinagar currently safe?
Yes, just be prepared to have rain and thunderstorms, and that travel plans may be affected by the weather.
3) Should I be cancelling trips to hill stations?
Possibly, but it would be acceptable to have a flexible plan for alternate travel locations.
4) Why is the number of storm occurrences increasing in hill regions?
Strongly developing pre-monsoon instability and western disturbances are occurring along with high elevations due to elevated air temperature.
