Thunderstorm alert issued for Chamba, Kullu, Kangra

Shimla: The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places in Chamba, Kullu and Kangra districts on May 16 and 17.As per the weather department, light rain or snowfall is also likely at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on May 16, 17 and 22, while dry weather is expected to prevail across the state during the remaining days of the week. The department has predicted a gradual rise in temperatures over the next 4-5 days. Minimum temperatures are likely to increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures may rise by 2-5 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state. Light rain was recorded at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. Sarahan in Shimla district received 15 mm rainfall. Sangla in Kinnaur district recorded 3.6 mm rain, followed by Bhabhanagar with 2 mm and Kalpa with 0.9 mm rainfall. On Saturday, Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district registered the highest maximum temperature at 38 degrees Celsius. The weather department said a western disturbance persisted as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and adjoining north Pakistan at an altitude of 3.1km above mean sea level.