Shimla: Persistent monsoon showers continued to affect several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, prompting authorities to close educational institutions in vulnerable areas of Kullu district and issue fresh weather warnings for multiple regions.
As heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked several roads in Kullu, the district administration declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions in the Ani, Banjar and Nirmand subdivisions as a precautionary measure. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the deteriorating weather conditions.
Rainfall was reported overnight in many parts of the state, including Shimla, where showers continued through the early morning hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Kangra and Mandi districts, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated locations during the day. A Yellow Alert remains in force for Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur, while no weather warnings have been issued for the remaining districts.
According to the IMD, the intensity of the ongoing wet spell is expected to ease from Wednesday as the prevailing western disturbance gradually weakens. Light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue in isolated areas until July 27, with clearer or partly cloudy conditions forecast across much of the state during this period.
Despite the recent downpours, Himachal Pradesh continues to record an overall rainfall deficit for the current monsoon season. Official data indicates that between June 1 and July 21, the state received around 230.2 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 266.4 mm, leaving the seasonal deficit at approximately 14 per cent.
Several districts have witnessed below-normal rainfall, including Bilaspur (27%), Hamirpur (42%), Mandi (30%), Sirmaur (4%), Una (3%), Chamba (6%), Kangra (19%), and Lahaul-Spiti (42%).
Meanwhile, the continuous rainfall has brought a noticeable decline in temperatures across the hill state. Chamba recorded one of the sharpest drops, with the maximum temperature settling at 22.9 degrees Celsius, nearly 11 degrees below normal. Kangra registered a maximum of 25.9 degrees Celsius, while Bhuntar recorded 25.4 degrees Celsius, both significantly lower than their seasonal averages.
The cooler conditions have provided relief from the recent spell of heat and humidity, although authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as saturated slopes continue to pose a risk of landslides and road disruptions. Travelers have also been urged to check road and weather updates before undertaking journeys in hilly areas.
