Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is likely to remain under the grip of unsettled weather over the next few days, with the Meteorological Department warning of intense rainfall in parts of the state. An orange alert for very heavy rain has been issued for Bilaspur, Kangra and Sirmaur, while several other districts have been placed under a yellow warning.
The latest forecast has prompted authorities to advise residents as well as tourists to avoid vulnerable locations, particularly riverbanks, streams and areas susceptible to landslides.
Western Disturbance likely to intensify rainfall
The weather system is expected to become more active from August 14, increasing the possibility of heavy showers at isolated locations. The orange warning covers Bilaspur, Kangra and Sirmaur, where very heavy rainfall is possible.
A yellow alert has simultaneously been issued for Hamirpur, Chamba, Mandi, Shimla and Solan.
For Thursday, heavy rain is expected in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur, which are also under a yellow warning.
The IMD has asked people to exercise caution as intense rainfall can trigger landslides, disrupt roads and cause sudden rises in the water level of rivers and seasonal streams.
Wet weather may affect Independence Day plans
The rain threat is not expected to disappear with the approaching weekend. Several districts will remain under a yellow alert on August 15, including Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
The warning continues into August 16, when Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur are likely to witness heavy rainfall at isolated places.
The continuing alerts could pose challenges for outdoor programmes and travel, particularly in the state’s hilly and remote areas.
Temperatures climb after a sunny spell
The latest weather pattern comes after a relatively bright spell in much of the state. Clear skies and sunshine pushed daytime temperatures sharply higher during the previous 24 hours.
Mandi recorded the steepest increase, with its maximum temperature rising by 10.2 degrees to 35.6°C. Sundernagar recorded 35.1°C after a 9.2-degree jump, while Kangra touched 33.4°C.
Temperatures in Solan and Shimla also rose significantly, reaching 31°C and 27.9°C, respectively.
Rainfall still below seasonal average
Despite repeated spells of rain, the state has recorded a 7% shortfall in cumulative monsoon rainfall so far.
The deficit is most pronounced in Lahaul-Spiti, where rainfall is 51% below normal. Hamirpur has recorded a 47% deficit, while Mandi and Kangra are down by 23% and 15%, respectively.
On the other hand, Kullu has received 32% more rainfall than normal. Shimla, Kinnaur, Sirmaur and Chamba have also recorded above-normal rainfall during the season.
With the possibility of another spell of intense rain, residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow directions issued by local authorities.
