Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh will have to wait a little longer for the arrival of the southwest monsoon, with weather experts indicating that the seasonal system is running behind its normal schedule. While the monsoon has yet to enter the hill state, meteorological conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for its advance over the coming week.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the monsoon is gradually progressing across northern India after expanding through several parts of central and eastern regions. Officials expect the weather system to move closer to Himachal Pradesh within the next five to six days, aided by a fresh western disturbance expected to influence weather patterns from the end of June.
Meanwhile, several districts have already started experiencing pre-monsoon activity. Overnight showers and gusty winds affected parts of the state, while cloud cover remained widespread through Monday. Light rainfall is expected to continue over lower and mid-hill areas, with the intensity likely to increase from July 1 onwards.
Meteorologists have predicted that the approaching western disturbance will interact with moisture carried by monsoon winds, triggering widespread rainfall across the state between July 1 and July 4. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are likely to affect most districts on July 2 and 3, while heavy rainfall is expected at several locations on July 4.
However, the higher-altitude districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to witness comparatively less rainfall during this spell.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to remain vigilant as the expected weather activity could lead to landslides, flash floods in vulnerable areas and temporary disruption of road connectivity. Travellers heading to hill destinations have been advised to keep track of weather bulletins before planning their journeys.
The anticipated arrival of the monsoon is expected to ease temperatures across Himachal Pradesh and provide a boost to agriculture by replenishing water sources. At the same time, disaster management agencies have been asked to remain prepared for any weather-related emergencies as rainfall activity intensifies during the first week of July.
