Record-Breaking Temperatures in Himachal Pradesh for September 2024

Several regions in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Manali, and Bhunter, reported record-breaking temperatures in September 2024. Notably, Shimla reached its highest temperature in a decade at 28.4°C. The meteorological department forecasts a drop in temperatures due to expected rainfall from late Wednesday night until September 27.

In September 2024, several stations across Himachal Pradesh reported notable maximum temperatures. Shimla recorded its highest temperature of 28.4°C on both September 23 and 24, the second-highest in the last decade. Its all-time high remains 28.6°C recorded on September 30, 1994. Manali experienced its second-highest maximum temperature of 27.7°C on September 23, following the decade's highest of 28.4°C on September 14, 2023. The record high for Manali stands at 29.2°C, set on September 8, 1987. Bhunter set a new all-time record with 35.5°C on September 24, surpassing the previous record of 35.2°C from earlier this month on September 1.

Kangra reached an all-time high of 35.0°C on both September 23 and 24, with its second-highest temperature of 34.6°C recorded on September 12, 2024. Una matched its all-time high of 38.6°C on September 24, previously set on September 21, 2020. Dharamshala saw its highest maximum temperature in a decade at 32.0°C on September 24, with the record being 38.6°C from September 30, 1988. Sundernagar recorded its highest temperature of all time at 35.1°C on September 23, followed closely by 34.7°C on September 24.

Despite rising temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects a 2-3°C drop in maximum temperatures due to increased rainfall. Rainfall is forecasted to begin late Wednesday night and continue until September 27, with light to moderate showers likely across the state. No significant temperature rise is expected afterward for at least two days. Kuldeep Srivastava, head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, attributed the temperature spike to minimal rainfall and cloud cover over the past four days. A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Solan, Sharma, and Shimla, with a yellow alert due to possible lightning strikes. Himachal Pradesh's total monsoon rainfall from June stands at -21%, but no monsoon withdrawal is expected until at least September 27, though the deficit may reduce.

(With inputs from agencies.)