Heavy rain and intermittent showers lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours, bringing relief from the summer heat. The rainfall also changed the weather across the state.
Shimla received rain throughout Sunday night. The skies cleared around 10 am on Monday, allowing tourists to step out and enjoy the cool and pleasant weather.
The southwest monsoon is expected to enter Himachal Pradesh in the next two to three days. However, the pre-monsoon showers have already brought a welcome change in the weather. The pleasant conditions have attracted many visitors from Punjab, Haryana and other northern states.
Tourists said they were enjoying the cool breeze, green hills and fresh surroundings after the rainfall. Many said the trip offered a much-needed break from the intense heat in the plains.
Kamal Kumar, who visited from Punjab, said the weather was beautiful and the views were stunning. "We reached Shimla yesterday. It rained during the night, making the weather even better. It is very hot in Punjab, so we came here to enjoy the cool climate. We are having a great time," he said.
Abhishek, a tourist from Rohtak in Haryana, said the rain made the weather even more enjoyable. "It is extremely hot in Rohtak, but Shimla is cool and refreshing. The surroundings are clean, there is very little pollution, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Everyone should visit Shimla at least once," he said.
Another visitor, Madhu from Haryana, said the rainfall made the weather even more pleasant. "It was very hot where we live. We came here to enjoy the cooler climate. We are very happy and will certainly recommend Shimla to our friends and relatives," she said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a further increase in rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next few days as the southwest monsoon moves closer to the state.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, scattered rain is likely on June 29 and 30. Rainfall is expected to increase from July 1, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph. Heavy rain is also likely at isolated places.
The weather is expected to become more intense on July 2 and 3. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for parts of the state. Widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph are expected. Some places may receive very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm.
Heavy rain is likely to continue at isolated places on July 4 and 5. Strong winds may also affect several districts during this period.
During the last 24 hours, many parts of Himachal Pradesh received widespread rainfall. Muraridevi in Mandi district recorded the highest rainfall at 63.6 mm. It was followed by Brahmani with 51.4 mm and Ghaghas with 50 mm. Thunderstorms and lightning were also reported from Shimla, Muraridevi and Kangra.
There was little change in temperatures across the state. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 38°C, while Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest, with a minimum temperature of 8.3°C.
The IMD said favourable weather conditions and an active western disturbance are helping the southwest monsoon advance. The monsoon is expected to cover the remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh within the next few days.
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