News article: Himachal Heatwave — Una becomes Himachal’s hottest district as temperatures cross 40°C
Una district has been recording the highest temperatures in Himachal Pradesh amid a prolonged heatwave, with mercury soaring well above 40°C — unusual even for the state’s lower plains regions.
Una peak temp (May 2026)
44.3°C
Hamirpur (Neri)
~41°C
Shimla max
30.5°C
All-time Una record
46°C
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing one of its most intense heatwave periods in recent memory, with Una district consistently recording the highest temperatures in the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Una’s mercury reached 44.3°C — a figure rarely seen in a state otherwise known for its cool, mountainous climate.
IMD Orange Alert: The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, Chamba, and Mandi districts, warning of wind speeds up to 40 km/h and possible thunderstorms.
District-wise temperature tracker
| District / Station | Max Temp | Heat Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Una | 44.3°C | |
| Bilaspur | 42.7°C | |
| Hamirpur (Neri) | ~41°C | |
| Dhaula Kuan | 41.8°C | |
| Paonta Sahib (night) | 31°C (min) | |
| Shimla | 30.5°C |
Why is Una always the hottest?
Una lies in the lower Shivalik foothills and shares geographical and climatic characteristics with the plains of Punjab and Haryana. Unlike higher-altitude districts, Una’s low elevation (around 369 m) means it receives less relief from mountain breezes, making it vulnerable to the same hot, dry air masses that bake the Indo-Gangetic plains during peak summer.
Hill stations feel the heat too
What makes this heatwave particularly unusual is that even traditionally cooler hill destinations — Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Kalpa — are recording above-normal daytime and nighttime temperatures. Shimla hit 30.5°C, close to its all-time summer high. Officials noted that Kinnaur witnessed heatwave conditions for the first time this season.
When will relief arrive?
IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in several districts over the coming days. The Western Disturbance is expected to bring some relief, though plain areas like Una and Bilaspur may see only temporary cooling before temperatures climb again toward month-end.