Rushing to the hills to evade Delhi heat? Temp in Himachal already crossing 40°C

SHIMLA: A heat wave alert was issued Monday for many parts of Himachal Pradesh - a weather quirk at odds with the state's name that literally means snowy mountains. The Met warning came as both maximum and minimum temperatures soared, with the mercury in Una rising above 41°C on Monday.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, the heat wave will prevail in Una, Kullu, and Mandi till April 30. The Met has predicted a change in weather on May 1 and 2, with a likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in most parts of the state. The weather department has also predicted gusty winds at isolated places in the state on these two days.

Meanwhile, Una recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41.6°C on Monday. Other places that recorded high temperatures included Kangra with 36.6°C, Sundernagar 36.2°C, Bilaspur 36°C, Mandi 35.6°C, Bhuntar and Nahan 34.5°C degrees each, Chamba 32.5°C, and Dharamshala 32°C. Shimla recorded a maximum of 26.8°C and Manali 28.5°C. Kasauli was also warm, with a maximum of 28.6°C. Keylong in Lahaul Spiti recorded the lowest maximum temperature of 16.9°C on Monday. The minimum temperature has also been steadily rising all over the state. Keylong recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 3.3°C on Monday.