Hailstorm Batters Himachal Apple Crop, Orange Alert Issued

Himachal Pradesh hailstorm damages apple orchards; fresh orange alert for May 3–4 raises concern among growers

Sudden Weather Turn

A fresh spell of severe weather has hit Himachal Pradesh, with widespread hailstorms causing extensive damage to apple orchards across several districts. The impact has been particularly harsh in parts of Shimla, where growers reported broken trees, torn protective nets, and significant crop loss following heavy hail late on Thursday evening.

Initial reports from the ground suggest losses running into lakhs for many orchard owners, just as the apple season was entering a crucial phase.

Apple Orchards Hit Hard

In Fagu, one of the affected areas, orchardists described the damage as unprecedented this season. Subhash, a local grower, said most of his apple trees were either split or severely damaged after hail accumulated on anti-hail nets, adding weight and causing structural collapse.

The nets themselves, installed as a protective measure, were ripped apart, while the bamboo supports snapped under pressure. Similar accounts have emerged from nearby belts, indicating the scale of destruction is not isolated.

Orange Alert Ahead

According to the meteorological department, there is little respite in sight. An orange alert has been issued for May 3 and 4 across districts including Chamba district, Kangra district, Kullu district, Mandi district and Shimla.

Officials have warned of heavy hailstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph. A yellow alert remains in place for May 5 and 6, indicating continued weather instability.

Though no formal warning has been issued for the immediate 48 hours, cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall are expected to persist across many parts of the state.

Rainfall Across Districts

Data from the past 24 hours shows widespread rainfall activity. Jubbarhatti recorded the highest rainfall at 34 mm, followed by Bhatiyat at 30 mm and Sarahan at 28.5 mm.

Other areas such as Kufri, Salooni, and Manali also received moderate showers, while lower rainfall was recorded in Una and Solan. The scattered pattern suggests active weather systems affecting both mid and higher hill regions.

Temperature Drops Sharply

Alongside the hailstorm, temperatures have dipped noticeably. Night temperatures across the state have fallen below normal by nearly one degree Celsius. In Solan, the minimum temperature dropped by 3.2 degrees from the seasonal average.

Day temperatures have also declined sharply. Manali recorded a maximum temperature 6.5 degrees below normal at 16.8°C, while Bhuntar and Mandi saw similar drops.

The cooling trend, while making the weather pleasant, has added to concerns for fruit growers, as fluctuating conditions can further affect crop health.

Farmers Face Uncertainty

The repeated spells of hailstorm this season have left orchardists anxious about recovery prospects. Apple farming, a key economic activity in Himachal Pradesh, is particularly vulnerable during early fruit development stages.

Local authorities have yet to release a consolidated damage assessment, but officials indicated that field surveys may begin once weather conditions stabilise.

Outlook Remains Unsettled

With forecasts pointing to continued rainfall and hail activity over the next five days, the immediate outlook remains uncertain. Growers are now watching the skies closely, hoping the intensity of upcoming spells does not match the recent destruction.

The Himachal Pradesh hailstorm has once again exposed the vulnerability of hill agriculture to sudden weather shifts, raising questions about long-term mitigation measures.