In a stunning meteorological upset, Shimla recorded an overnight low of 3.6°C on April 9, marking the coldest April night in 46 years. Weather bureau director Shobhit Katiyar revealed that heavy downpours and snow have suppressed daytime temperatures by 10-12°C statewide.
The hill capital, usually basking in mild spring weather, saw Thursday’s daytime low at 11.4°C before dipping even lower. Such extremes haven’t been felt in April for over a decade, except briefly in 2015. Himachal Pradesh is drowning in excess rain—142% above normal this month and 9% since early March.
April snowfalls are becoming routine, with recent years bringing flurries to higher reaches like Khandrola. Katiyar forecasts easing rains ahead, with thunderstorms possible soon. No major activity in the plains for 10 days, but hills could face light snow on April 11-12 and rain later in the week.
A fresh western disturbance approaches within days, hinting at prolonged unstable patterns. This record-breaking cold serves as a stark reminder of climate variability in the Himalayas, disrupting tourism and agriculture while painting a surreal winterscape in springtime.
