SHIMLA: Maximum temperatures in March were unusually high this year and stations in Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Solan districts have recorded all-time high temperatures in March, surpassing previous records. Many parts of the state have been reeling under heat waves for past few days, with both minimum and maximum temperatures being recorded several degrees above normal.
Five feeble western disturbances affected Himachal during March, but only two were active which caused rainfall from March 2-5 and March 20-21. The state received deficient (-95%) rainfall in this month. In the past, in the month of March, Dharamsala had recorded the highest ever temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius on March 29, 2010. This record was broken with the hill town recording highest ever maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius and 32.8 degrees Celsius on March 29 and 30, respectively.
Manali had recorded highest ever maximum temperature of 27 degrees Celsius on March 17, 2004, and March 21, 1974. This record was broken on March 17 and 22 this year, with highest ever maximum temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius. Keylong town of snowbound Lahaul-Spiti district recorded highest ever maximum temperature of 17.5 degrees Celsius on March 31, 2018. This year, on March 30, it recorded highest ever maximum temperature of 17.9 degrees Celsius.
