Heavy rainfall is expected in five districts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, with the Meteorological Centre in Shimla issuing an orange alert for Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Solan, Kullu, Chamba, Una, and Bilaspur districts.
The authorities have advised locals and tourists to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas due to the risk of flash floods and landslides following intense rain. Sudden surges in water levels are possible, and waterlogged or unstable areas should be avoided.
For June 23 (Monday), an orange alert has been issued for Una and Kangra, with yellow alerts covering Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Mandi, Chamba, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) added that the western disturbance is expected to weaken slightly by June 24, with light rain forecast in scattered areas.
However, a fresh spell of intense rain is expected midweek, with an orange alert issued for June 25 in all districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
The monsoon, which had already entered several regions of Himachal two days ago, is likely to cover the entire state by Monday, provided its current pace continues. The IMD has advised continued caution as widespread rain is likely to persist.
Monsoon advances in parts of Punjab
The India Meteorological Department (MET) had stated that the southwest monsoon advanced in several parts of Punjab on Sunday, with weather conditions remaining favourable for its further advancement into Haryana and Chandigarh over the next two days.
Chandigarh Meteorological Department Director Surinder Pal confirmed the monsoon’s advancement into several areas of Punjab and said that further progress is likely soon.
"Conditions are favourable for its further advancement in parts of Haryana, including Chandigarh, over the next two days," Pal stated.
The IMD also reported that the southwest monsoon has advanced over most parts of Himachal Pradesh, the entire regions of Ladakh and Kashmir, most parts of Jammu, and parts of Punjab.
Pre-monsoon showers over the past few days have already brought relief to residents in Punjab and Haryana, where scorching summer conditions had prevailed.
More rainfall is expected in the region in the coming days, offering further respite from the heat.
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