Shimla/Dharamshala, May 3: Parts of Himachal Pradesh were lashed by rain on Saturday, even as the local meteorological department issued an orange alert for hailstorms at isolated locations in the state.
The Shimla Met Office also issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–50 kmph, with the advisory extended through next Friday.
Several regions, including Bilaspur, Reckong Peo, Hamirpur, and Tabo, witnessed gusty winds over the last 24 hours.
Dehra Gopipur recorded the highest rainfall at 37.2 mm, followed by Paonta Sahib (17.4 mm), Shimla (16.6 mm), Kandaghat (15 mm), Jubbarhatti (14.8 mm), Kufri (14.5 mm), Barrage (10.4 mm), and Solan (10 mm).
Minimum temperatures remained largely unchanged, with Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recording the coldest night temperature at 5.9°C, the Met Department said.
In Dharamshala and surrounding areas, residents experienced cold and wet conditions, and the Met’s forecast for continuing thunderstorms has raised concerns ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 matches scheduled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium.
Known for its scenic views, the HPCA Stadium is slated to host three matches: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants on May 4, Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals on May 8, and Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians on May 11.
With unseasonal weather threatening the fixtures, HPCA officials offered special prayers at the Indru Nag Dev Temple, dedicated to the rain god, seeking uninterrupted matches.
“We have faith, and we’re also prepared,” said HPCA official Sanjay Sharma, noting that the stadium is now equipped with a sub-air system that can dry the outfield in 15–20 minutes after rainfall, enabling quick resumption of play.
