Significant maximum temperature recorded in Himachal, no further rise says IMD

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India] September 25 : In the month of September 2024 (till 24th Sept), several stations across Himachal Pradesh reported notable maximum temperatures:
Shimla recorded its highest maximum temperature of 28.4°C on both the 23rd and 24th of September, 2024. This is the second-highest temperature recorded in the last 10 years, with the all-time high of 28.6°C occurring on 30th September, 1994. Additionally, Shimla's second-highest temperature in the last decade was 27.2°C on 20th September, 2024.
Manali experienced its second-highest maximum temperature of 27.7°C on September 23. The highest in the last 10 years was 28.4°C on September 14, 2023. However, Manali's all-time highest temperature remains 29.2°C, recorded on September 8, 1987.
Bhunter set an all-time record with 35.5°C on September 24. The second-highest of 35.2°C was recorded earlier this month, on September 1 2024.
Kangra also recorded an all-time high of 35.0°C on both September23 and 24. The second-highest temperature, 34.6°C, was recorded on September 12, 2024.
Una reached its all-time highest maximum temperature of 38.6°C on September 24, 2024, matching the same record set on September 21, 2020.
Dharamshala saw its highest maximum temperature in 10 years, recording 32.0°C on September 24, 2024, with a second-highest of 31.1°C on September 20 and 21. The all-time record remains 38.6°C, which occurred on September 30, 1988.
Sundernagar recorded its all-time highest temperature of 35.1°C on September 23, followed by the second-highest, 34.7°C, on September 24.
Despite the rising temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the maximum temperatures to drop by 2-3°C in the coming days due to increased rainfall activity. The forecast suggests that rainfall will commence from late Wednesday night and continue until September 27. Light to moderate showers are likely across the state, with no significant temperature rise afterward for at least two days.
Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the IMD Himachal Pradesh, explained the temperature spike, "We have not received any rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the last four days, and cloud cover has been minimal. This has led to a significant rise in temperature, especially in districts like Kangra, Bhuntar, Una, and Sundernagar, which have seen all-time high temperatures over the past few years. Shimla also saw temperatures around 28.4°C, close to its all-time high of 28.6°C.
A spell of rainfall is expected from late Wednesday until September 27 , with light to moderate rainfall activity across Himachal Pradesh. We have issued a thunderstorm warning for areas like Solan, Sharma, and Shimla, where lightning strikes are also likely. A yellow alert has been issued. Around 5-6 cm of rainfall is expected in Sharma district around September 26.
"Currently, Himachal Pradesh's total monsoon rainfall from June stands at -21%. A monsoon is considered normal if the total rainfall falls within plus or minus 19%. There will be no monsoon withdrawal until at least the September 27, though the deficit may reduce," Kuldeep Srivastava added.