Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh monsoon showers swept across parts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday night, with Theog in Shimla district witnessing heavy rainfall that disrupted traffic after roads were blocked at a few locations. In contrast, Shimla city recorded only light showers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that wet weather will continue across the state over the next several days. A Yellow Alert has been issued for Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra and Sirmaur districts on Monday, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Heavy Showers Expected Throughout the Week
According to the IMD, monsoon conditions are expected to remain favourable, bringing light to moderate rainfall to most parts of the state over the next six days.
The weather department has also forecast heavy rain in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra on August 4. Similar warnings have been issued for Una, Kangra, Chamba and Mandi on August 5, while Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur are likely to receive heavy showers on August 6.
Officials have cautioned that prolonged rainfall could trigger landslides, rockfalls and localized flooding in vulnerable areas, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Seasonal Rainfall Still Below Average
Although rainfall activity has intensified in recent weeks, Himachal Pradesh continues to record a rainfall deficit for the ongoing monsoon season. From June 1 to July 31, the state received 347.9 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 376.6 mm, leaving the seasonal total 8 per cent below normal.
July Ends on a Positive Note
Despite the overall deficit, July witnessed stronger monsoon activity than usual. The state recorded 272.5 mm of rainfall during the month, approximately 6 per cent above the long-term average.
Several districts registered surplus rainfall, with Kullu recording a 62 per cent increase over normal levels, followed by Kinnaur (59 per cent), Chamba (46 per cent), Shimla (41 per cent), Sirmaur (12 per cent), Solan (7 per cent) and Una (1 per cent).
Meanwhile, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti continued to report below-normal rainfall during the month, with Lahaul-Spiti recording the largest shortfall.
The Meteorological Department has advised both residents and tourists to stay updated with official weather bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and exercise caution near rivers, streams and landslide-prone stretches.
