Shimla: The southwest monsoon continues to remain elusive in Himachal Pradesh, with meteorologists indicating that its arrival has been delayed by nearly a week compared to its usual schedule. However, changing weather conditions suggest the state may witness the onset of the rainy season within the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has advanced across several parts of central and eastern India but is moving at a slower pace than expected. Weather experts believe that once the system gains momentum under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, it is likely to enter Himachal Pradesh in the coming five to six days.
Even before the official arrival of the monsoon, several parts of the hill state have begun witnessing pre-monsoon activity. Overnight showers accompanied by strong winds affected a number of districts, while cloudy skies continued to dominate the weather on Monday morning. The department has forecast rainfall across various parts of the state for nearly a week.
Light showers are expected to continue over the lower and mid-hill regions during the next 24 hours. Meteorologists have also predicted that a fresh western disturbance will become active from the night of June 30, leading to a sharp increase in rainfall activity between July 1 and July 4.
The weather department has warned that July 2 and July 3 could witness widespread thunderstorms and gusty winds across most districts, excluding the tribal regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Rainfall intensity is expected to increase further on July 4, with several places likely to receive heavy precipitation.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain cautious, particularly in vulnerable hill areas where heavy rainfall could trigger landslides, falling rocks and temporary road blockages. Commuters have also been urged to monitor weather advisories before travelling through mountainous routes.
The expected arrival of the southwest monsoon is likely to bring substantial relief from the recent spell of warm weather while providing much-needed moisture for agriculture. However, officials have cautioned that the first phase of the monsoon could also bring weather-related disruptions in parts of the state.
