Shimla: Persistent monsoon showers continued to lash Himachal Pradesh, prompting authorities to issue fresh weather warnings and precautionary measures across several districts. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense rainfall, schools have been closed in parts of Chamba district and Theog subdivision in Shimla as a safety measure.
The IMD has placed Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur under a Red Alert, warning of isolated spells of extremely heavy rain that could trigger landslides, flash floods and widespread disruption.
Adding to the concern, a flash flood advisory has been issued for nine districts—Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Officials have cautioned residents against travelling through vulnerable stretches and advised people living near rivers and seasonal streams to remain alert.
Authorities said rising water levels, road blockages, falling rocks and waterlogging remain major concerns as the wet spell is expected to continue through the day.
Orange Alert
Weather conditions are unlikely to improve immediately. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Tuesday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in these districts. Moderate to heavy showers are also expected in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kullu, Solan and Shimla.
Although the intensity of the western disturbance is likely to weaken slightly from July 23, rainfall activity is expected to continue across many parts of the state. Heavy showers are still forecast at isolated locations in Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Shimla.
The department has also predicted another spell of widespread rainfall on July 24, particularly affecting Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. Rain-related activity is expected to persist until at least July 25.
Mercury Dips Across the State
The recent showers have brought noticeable relief from the summer heat, with temperatures dropping well below seasonal averages in several regions. Chamba recorded one of the sharpest declines, where the maximum temperature settled at 28.4°C, around 5.6 degrees below normal.
Monsoon Rainfall Still Below Average
Despite the recent surge in rainfall, the state continues to record an overall monsoon deficit. Between June 1 and July 20, Himachal Pradesh received approximately 210 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 256.8 mm, leaving the state nearly 18 per cent below normal.
Several districts continue to report significant rainfall shortages, including Lahaul-Spiti (53%), Hamirpur (41%), Mandi (33%), Bilaspur (29%), Kangra (24%) and Sirmaur (18%).
The administration has urged residents and tourists to closely monitor official weather advisories and avoid venturing into landslide-prone areas or near overflowing rivers until conditions improve.
