Orange alert: IMD forecast 5-days of inclement weather in HP

Shimla, Apr 16 – India Meteorological Department(IMD) on Sunday forecast five days of inclement weather from today onwards and issued an Advisory of yellow and orange alerts predicting thunderstorms, lightening, hailstorms and rainfall.
The spokesperson of Shimla Met Office said the state is likely to have rain at most places on April 18 and 19 in the mid-hills and many parts in the foothills and high reaches.
Orange alert was issued by the IMD for April 18 forecasting heavy rainfall, Thunderstrom, lightning and hailstorm at isolated, similarly yellow alert also sounded from today onwards till April 20 forecasting heavy rain, Thunderstrom lightning and hailstorm in isolated places.
Report arriving here said hailstorm occurred in Koksar of Lahaul-Spiti Jubbal in Shimla and Bharmaur in Chamba district in past 24 hrs. Chamba, Sangla in Kinnuar and Kasol of Kulku had three mm rain each.
Department attributed inclement weather conditions approaching active western disturbance light to moderate rain or snow associated with thunderstorm or lighting & hailstorm likely to commence in HP from late 17th April 2023 for subsequent 3-4 days with peak intensity from April 18 to 19.
Heavy rainfall also likely in one or two parts in the districts of Bilaspur, Chamba,
Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and adjoining area during 18th and 19th April 2023 .
Light to moderate snowfall activity also likely in higher reaches of the district
Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla, Kullu and adjoining areas during
this period.
Rain spell is also likely to accompanied with occasional thunderstorm or lightning and
hailstorm in plains, low and mid hills of state during this period.
The average minimum temperatures would be above normal for the next 24-36 hrs and
fall by 2-3 deg afterwards and The average maximum temperatures would be above normal during next 24-36 hrs in the State, and significant fall afterwards.
In view of expected rainfall or snowfall there could be disruption of traffic and other
essential services in hilly district of state Tourists may be advised to be careful. Disruption of power and communication facilities in low and mid hill district of state in view of expected thunderstorm/lighting and hailstorm.Avoid going in open areas in view of expected thunderstorms and Poor visibility conditions in hilly district of state creating difficulty to Commuters.
Met Department advised Farmers that it may damge standing crops, fruit plants and new plantings due to hailstorm.They should take care of ripening crop by using of anti hail nets over the crops. Installation of anti-hail guns wherever possible.
“In view of expected thunderstorms or hailstorms farmers are advised to take adequate measures with use of anti hail nets and other safety measures and Avoid farming operations for next three-four days in view of inclement weather. Farmers also should follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the concerned department and use anti-hail nets over the crop” Advisory mentions.