Heavy rainfall accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature transformed Shimla and its surrounding areas into a refreshing summer getaway on Thursday, bringing relief from the heat and delighting hundreds of tourists visiting the hill station.
While the showers temporarily disrupted normal life and slowed traffic in parts of the town, they also enhanced Shimla’s scenic charm. Mist-covered hills, cool winds, and rain-soaked landscapes attracted visitors eager to experience the region’s pleasant weather.
The change comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and isolated rainfall across Himachal Pradesh under the influence of an active western disturbance. The weather agency has also warned of possible hailstorms in isolated areas over the next two days.
For visitors arriving from states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where temperatures have been hovering around 45 degrees Celsius, the cooler conditions in Shimla offered a welcome respite.
Sandeep, a tourist from Firozpur in Punjab, who was accompanying students on an educational tour, said the weather had exceeded expectations.
"The weather here is very pleasant, and we are very happy to be in Shimla. We do not get to see this kind of weather in Punjab. Our children are enjoying the rain and cold conditions. It is extremely hot in Punjab, and that is why people come to Shimla during the June holidays. We come here every year for our camp, but this time the rain has made the weather even colder and more enjoyable," Sandeep said.
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Sandeep was part of a group from Firozpur's RSD Rajdhani School, which brought 15 students to Shimla for a week-long camp. According to the group, the children were particularly excited by the cool temperatures and rainy conditions.
Many tourists highlighted the dramatic contrast between Shimla’s weather and the intense heat prevailing across northern India.
Charan Singh, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh, said the difference was immediately noticeable.
"The temperature in our area is around 45 degrees Celsius, but the weather here is very good. It is quite cold, and it is raining. I would like to advise people that if they are coming to Shimla during this weather or the rainy season, they should definitely carry warm clothes," he said.
Throughout the day, visitors could be seen strolling along the Mall Road and the Ridge despite intermittent showers. Many also took photographs and recorded videos of the mist-covered surroundings.
According to the IMD, temperatures across Himachal Pradesh remained largely within normal ranges over the past 24 hours.
Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 5.6 degrees Celsius, while Neri in Hamirpur district registered the highest maximum temperature at 37.4 degrees Celsius.
Shimla itself recorded a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius, reflecting the cooler conditions experienced during the day.
With additional rainfall forecast over the coming days, tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the pleasant weather will attract more visitors from neighbouring states.
As much of north India continues to grapple with scorching summer temperatures, Shimla’s cooler climate, enhanced by rain and misty landscapes, is expected to remain a major draw for tourists seeking relief from the heat.
(With inputs from ANI)