Shimla, May 21 -- With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light rain and thunderstorms in parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next two days, rising temperatures across the hill state, including the tourist destination of Shimla, have triggered concern among residents, tourists, scientists and policymakers over the visible impact of climate change on the Himalayan region.

Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 31.8 degrees Celsius during the past 24 hours, while several districts, including Una, Kangra, Solan and Shimla, witnessed heatwave-like conditions.

Speaking to ANI, IMD Himachal Pradesh head Shobhit Katiyar said weather conditions had remained largely dry across most parts of the state, leading to a significant...