Several areas in Kullu and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh were lashed by a severe hailstorm this afternoon, causing extensive damage to crops.

The freak weather conditions continued in the region with isolated rains, thunderstorms and hailstorms, keeping farmers on tenterhooks. Apple, wheat, cherry, almond, pear, plum, apricot, stone fruits and flowers suffered due to the untimely rains.

Meanwhile light showers occurred at Seobagh in Kullu which recorded 6 mm of rain while Kumarsein in Shimla and Nadaun in Hamirpur had 2 mm of rains.

The day temperatures rose marginally at some places in Himachal while minimum temperatures were near normal in most parts of the state. The maximum temperature slided by one degree in Shimla to stay at 24.4 degree while it increased by 3.5 degree at Una to settle at 38.4 degree.

The day temperatures remained stable at Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Mandi, Dharamsala, Nahan and Solan while minimum night temperatures were near normal. Shimla recorded a low of 16 degree while Una and Dharmasala recorded minimum temperature at 20.5 degree, followed by Palampur 19.0 degree, Mandi 18.6 degree, Sundernagar 18.0 degree and Solan 16.6 degree.Nahan was hottest during the night with a low of 21.4 degree.

The local Met office has predicted more rains and thundershowers at many places during next 48 hours. Source