Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is set to witness a fresh spell of intense rainfall early next week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of very heavy showers in several districts on August 10 and 11. The forecast comes after a noticeable fall in temperatures across the hill state following several days of rain.
An Orange Alert has been issued for Kangra and Sirmaur on August 10, while Chamba, Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur will remain under the orange warning on August 11. Other parts of the state have been placed under a Yellow Alert for moderate to heavy rainfall.
The weather department has advised people in the affected districts to avoid venturing close to rivers, streams and areas vulnerable to landslides.
Rain to continue till August 13
Rainfall activity is expected to remain relatively limited over the next two days, with light showers likely at some places. A Yellow Alert for heavy rain has been issued for Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur for today.
For tomorrow, Una, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.
According to the IMD forecast, the rainy spell is likely to remain active in parts of Himachal Pradesh until August 13, with the strongest activity expected around August 10 and 11.
Keylong records sharpest temperature fall
The continuing rain has had a marked impact on temperatures. The state’s average maximum temperature is currently around 3.1°C below normal.
Keylong witnessed the biggest departure from the normal temperature, with the maximum settling at 16.1°C, which is 8.7°C below the seasonal average.
Other areas also experienced substantial cooling. Bhuntar recorded 24.8°C, around 6.5°C below normal, while Chamba’s maximum temperature fell to 26.9°C, nearly 5.9°C below average. Manali recorded a maximum of 19.6°C, which was 5.8°C below normal.
Monsoon rainfall still below average
Despite the recent wet spells, Himachal Pradesh has received less rainfall than usual since the beginning of the monsoon season.
Between June 1 and August 7, the state received 400.1 mm of rain against the normal figure of 425.4 mm, representing a deficit of 6%.
Hamirpur recorded a 43% shortfall, while rainfall remained 14% below normal in Kangra, 52% below normal in Lahaul-Spiti, 23% below normal in Mandi and 3% below normal in Solan.
On the other hand, several districts have received more rain than their seasonal averages. Kinnaur recorded 32% above normal rainfall, followed by Kullu at 27% and Shimla at 25%. Chamba received 9% more, Sirmaur 8%, Una 9% and Bilaspur 1% above normal rainfall.
With heavy rain forecast in multiple districts early next week, authorities and residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow weather-related advisories.
