Himachal Pradesh, which has long been considered the favourite summer escape for people from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and nearby states, is now witnessing temperatures that are beginning to resemble the heat conditions of the plains.
Every year during summer vacations, thousands of tourists head towards Himachal Pradesh expecting cool weather and relief from scorching temperatures. However, this season many visitors are finding that several cities in the hill state are also battling intense heatwave conditions.
According to the latest weather figures, 11 cities in Himachal Pradesh recorded temperatures above 35°C. Una emerged as the hottest city at 39.7°C, while Bilaspur touched 39°C. Hamirpur recorded 38.5°C, Kangra 38.3°C, Sundernagar 38.1°C, Baroti 37.4°C and Mandi 37°C.
Popular tourist destinations also witnessed unusually high temperatures. Nahan recorded 36.4°C, Bhuntar 35.3°C, while Dharamshala and Solan both crossed the 35°C mark.
The rising temperatures have surprised many tourists who generally consider Himachal Pradesh much cooler than neighbouring Punjab and Haryana during summer months. The latest weather trend, however, shows that the temperature gap between the plains and hill regions is gradually narrowing.
Residents in several towns say summers are becoming hotter year after year, with afternoons now feeling far warmer than before. Tourism businesses have also observed that demand for fans and cooling arrangements has increased significantly in many hill destinations.
Weather experts believe prolonged heatwave conditions across North India and changing climate patterns are contributing to the sharp rise in temperatures in Himachal Pradesh as well. Although evenings and nights remain comparatively pleasant, daytime heat is becoming increasingly uncomfortable in many areas.
Despite the rising temperatures, tourist movement continues across Himachal Pradesh because of school vacations and scenic attractions. However, the latest weather data clearly indicates that even the hills are no longer untouched by the severe summer heat affecting states like Punjab and Haryana.
