Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: 5 Shocking Storm Warnings & Flash Floods Threaten Kullu!

Himachal Pradesh is on high alert as the IMD issues a yellow warning for severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, across all 12 districts from May 27–28. This comes in the wake of flash floods in Kullu, where over 20 vehicles were damaged due to intense rainfall in the Sharshaya Nallah near Nirmand. While locals suspected a cloudburst, authorities confirmed it was heavy rain that caused the incident. The Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH-5) also saw traffic disruptions due to falling debris.

Rainfall and high wind speeds have been reported in regions like Rohru, Chamba, and Narkanda, raising concerns about landslides and roadblocks. Extreme temperature variations—from 39.2°C in Una to 7.3°C in Keylong—highlight the state’s climatic diversity. Experts link these erratic patterns to broader climate change impacts on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Authorities urge residents and tourists to stay vigilant, avoid riverbanks, and follow official safety advisories as monsoon-like conditions intensify.

Himachal Pradesh Weather Alert: 5 Shocking Storm Warnings & Flash Floods Threaten Kullu!

Himachal Pradesh faces a dual challenge of extreme weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across all 12 districts from May 27–28. The warning follows flash floods in Kullu district that damaged over 20 vehicles, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to sudden climatic shifts.  

Kullu Incident: Heavy Rain Triggers Chaos 

On Saturday (May 24), intense rainfall triggered flash floods in the dry Sharshaya Nallah stream near Jagat Khana, Nirmand, sweeping away cars parked along the roadside. While locals attributed the event to a cloudburst, officials clarified it resulted from heavy rain. “No casualties were reported, but 20–25 vehicles suffered damage,” confirmed Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh. Social media footage showed torrents of water and debris overwhelming roads, while the Satluj River’s rising levels heightened concerns.  

The Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH-5) also faced disruptions near Jhakri, where falling debris blocked traffic between Rampur and Kinnaur—a recurring issue during monsoon-like conditions.  

IMD’s Yellow Alert: What It Means 

The IMD’s yellow alert urges residents to “stay updated” as thunderstorms with 40–50 kmph winds may hit the state. From May 25–26, districts like Chamba, Kangra, and Shimla are likely to experience scattered rain, escalating to widespread thunderstorms by May 27–28. Higher altitudes could see light rain, while mid-hills and plains brace for moderate showers.  

Rohru recorded the highest rainfall (10 mm) on Saturday, followed by Chamba (2 mm) and Jubbal (2.4 mm). Wind speeds reached 56 kmph in areas like Reckongpeo and Narkanda, exacerbating risks of landslides and roadblocks.  

Temperature Extremes and Climate Context 

Una recorded the state’s highest temperature at 39.2°C, while Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti dipped to 7.3°C—a stark contrast highlighting Himachal’s diverse microclimates. While the IMD predicts a six-day wet spell, experts note such erratic weather aligns with broader patterns of climate volatility in Himalayan regions.  

Why This Matters 

The Kullu floods and IMD warnings emphasize the need for proactive disaster preparedness in ecologically sensitive zones. Cloudbursts—defined as sudden, intense rainfall over a small area—are often conflated with heavy rain but pose distinct risks due to their unpredictability. Officials urge tourists and locals to avoid riverbanks, monitor weather updates, and adhere to safety advisories during travel.  

With the monsoon approaching, authorities are ramping up efforts to clear vulnerable highways and deploy emergency response teams. Residents in landslide-prone areas are advised to secure properties and avoid parking near drainages. As Himachal navigates another season of climatic extremes, community awareness and infrastructure resilience remain critical to mitigating future risks.