Shimla, April 16 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for hailstorms in parts of Himachal Pradesh, warning of intensified weather activity under the influence of an approaching western disturbance.

Speaking to ANI, Senior Scientist at IMD's Meteorological Centre in Shimla, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, said that weather conditions remained largely dry across the state over the past 24 hours, but a significant change is expected later in the day.

"During the last 24 hours, the weather remained mostly clear across Himachal Pradesh. However, from this evening, a weather system will start impacting the state," Sharma said.

He added, "A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to approach Himachal Pradesh by late night...