Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience a brief break from monsoon rainfall, with mostly clear or partly cloudy skies forecast across the state over the next three days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the monsoon trough has shifted away from the region, while no active Western Disturbance is currently affecting the state.
The change in weather pattern is expected to bring a gradual rise in daytime temperatures. Maximum temperatures could increase by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next three to four days, with the effect likely to be more noticeable in the lower hills and plains.
According to the latest weather assessment, the monsoon trough is currently extending from Jammu through Dehradun and Varanasi towards a low-pressure area over Jharkhand. With the main rain-bearing system positioned away from Himachal Pradesh, widespread rainfall is unlikely in the immediate period.
The monsoon trough is essentially an elongated zone of relatively low pressure that plays an important role in determining where monsoon rainfall is concentrated across India. When the trough remains active over or close to a region, rainfall generally increases.
Rainfall Deficit Stands at 8%
Himachal Pradesh has so far received around 8 per cent less rainfall than its normal monsoon precipitation. The current lull in rainfall is also being reflected in temperatures, which have started moving above seasonal averages at several locations.
Kangra has recorded one of the sharper departures, with the maximum temperature reaching 33.6°C, around 5.3°C above normal. Several other locations have also reported temperatures running 2 to 3 degrees above their usual levels.
The expected rise in the mercury over the coming days could make conditions feel warmer, particularly across the state’s lower-altitude areas.
Rain May Return From August 29
The current dry spell is not expected to continue indefinitely. Weather officials have indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh between August 29 and 31.
Some locations could also receive brief spells of drizzle during this period. Until then, most areas are expected to remain dry, with clear to partly cloudy conditions dominating the weather.
For residents in the plains and lower hills, the next few days could therefore bring noticeably warmer afternoons before rainfall activity begins to pick up again towards the end of the month.
