Dharamsala cools down as rain brings respite

In a much-needed turn of weather, Dharamsala and its surrounding areas in Himachal Pradesh experienced a refreshing change on Friday morning, ending days of sweltering heat. The city, which had been battling an unusual heatwave, saw light to moderate rainfall that brought the mercury down by a remarkable 8°Celsius. While Thursday’s maximum temperature was 36°C, it dipped to a pleasant 28°C on Friday. In McLeodganj, the temperature was even lower at 25°C.

The showers came in two spells — first between 7:15 am and 8:30 am, and again at 2:45 pm—accompanied by thunder and lightning. The rain not only cooled the atmosphere but also brought joy to locals and tourists alike. Areas like Kotwali Bazaar, Kachhari and Yol Cantonment all reported a significant temperature drop.

Local resident Tarun Wasan remarked that while upper regions like McLeodganj and Bhagsunag remained relatively cooler, the intense heat in lower Dharamsala had made life difficult in recent days. Tourists, however, continued to enjoy the hill retreat.

Adding to the spectacle, the upper reaches of the Dhauladhar ranges witnessed light snowfall. The Meteorological Department confirmed that the region is currently experiencing pre-monsoon rainfall, with more showers likely over the next 48 hours. The rain has also brought relief to farmers, especially in the lower Kangra belt, where paddy sowing is underway. Moisture from the showers has rejuvenated fields and boosted water flow in irrigation channels. Earlier, the heatwave had prompted the district administration to issue public advisories, but Friday’s showers have brought both relief and hope.