Shimla: After a brief lull in monsoon activity over the past few days, Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of intense rainfall beginning Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread showers across the state till August 1.
The weather department has attributed the expected change to the activation of a strong Western Disturbance, which is likely to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts between July 28 and July 31. In view of the forecast, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for multiple districts and cautioned residents about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
For July 27, a Yellow Alert remains in effect for Bilaspur, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur, where moderate to heavy rainfall is expected.
According to the forecast, weather conditions are likely to deteriorate from July 28, with an Orange Alert issued for Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. A Yellow Alert has also been sounded for Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra.
The IMD has advised both residents and tourists to avoid venturing near rivers, seasonal streams and landslide-prone stretches during the alert period. Authorities have also warned of the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas, particularly in regions receiving intense rainfall.
On July 29, the Orange Alert will cover Una, Kangra and Sirmaur, while Chamba, Mandi and Solan are expected to remain under a Yellow Alert. The warning will expand on July 30, with heavy rainfall likely in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba and Kangra, whereas Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur are expected to receive moderate to heavy showers under a Yellow Alert.
The weather department has also indicated that mid-hill regions of the state are likely to experience heavy rainfall on July 31, prompting continued vigilance among district administrations.
Meteorological data shows that Himachal Pradesh has received 288.9 millimetres of rainfall between June 1 and July 25, against the normal average of 312 millimetres, leaving the state with an overall 7 per cent rainfall deficit this monsoon season.
The relatively dry weather over the last three days had resulted in a rise in daytime temperatures across several parts of the state, with maximum temperatures increasing by as much as 3 degrees Celsius. However, forecasters expect a significant drop in temperatures once the fresh spell of rain begins, with daytime temperatures likely to fall 2 to 3 degrees below normal in many areas.
The state administration has urged people to stay updated with official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall. Emergency response teams have also been placed on alert to deal with any weather-related incidents as Himachal Pradesh prepares for another active phase of the monsoon.
