Shimla, April 11 -- Shimla witnessed the coldest April night in 46 years after a sharp drop in temperatures over the past 24 hours, with the minimum temperature plunging to 3.6degC. According to data from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the unusually low night temperature broke a decades-old record. The previous comparable low for April was recorded in 1979, when the mercury had dipped to around 3.4degC. Senior scientist, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Himachal Pradesh, Shobhit Katiyar, said that persistent rainfall and snowfall activity over the past two to three days led to a significant fall in temperatures across the state. "In Shimla, the maximum temperature was recorded at 11.4degC, which is the lowest April daytime temperature in nearly 11 to 12 years. A similar temperature was last observed around 2015," he said. He further added that the minimum temperature of 3.6degC in April is the lowest recorded in the city in over four decades. "If we look at long-term data, such low night temperatures in April were last seen in 1979. This indicates a drop of this magnitude after about 46 to 47 years," Katiyar added. A retaining wall, constructed in Summer Hill-a locality in Shimla-following the Shiv Bawdi landslide in 2023, collapsed around 11 am on Friday. Built by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at a cost of approximately Rs.5 crore, the wall was completed just last December. This road serves as the primary access road for students and staff members commuting to Himachal Pradesh University (HPU). It is pertinent to mention that it was at this very location-on August 14, 2023-that the landslide originating from Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) had tragically claimed the lives of 20 people at the Shiv Bawdi temple located down the hill. The impact of continuous western disturbances has been visible across Himachal Pradesh with widespread rainfall and snowfall reported in the higher altitude regions. Over the past few days, daytime temperatures in many parts of the state have fallen by 10 to 12degC. Rainfall has also remained significantly above normal. From March 1 to April 10, the state recorded 149 mm of rainfall against a normal of 136 mm, which is about 9% higher. In April alone, rainfall has been 142% above normal so far, although officials clarified that it does not constitute a record-breaking event. According to the IMD, snowfall in April is considered normal in higher reaches such as Lahaul, Kullu, Chamba, and Kinnaur districts. In Shimla district as well, areas like Khadarala have recorded snowfall in April in previous years, including 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2021. The weather department has forecast clear conditions over the plains and mid-hill regions for the next five to seven days, with sunny weather expected to prevail. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the region between April 16 and 18, though its impact is expected to remain limited to higher reaches, with only light precipitation in adjoining mid-hill areas. No heavy rainfall or snowfall is anticipated....