Heavy rain lashed Shimla and several other parts of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, affecting normal life in the hill state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that wet weather conditions will continue, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated places over the coming days.
Residents said the continuous rain disrupted daily routines, making travel difficult and impacting business activities. After scattered showers during the day, rainfall intensified in the afternoon, leaving roads wet and visibility low.
Local resident Ram Pal Sharma said the prolonged spell of rain had created problems for people carrying out their routine work. He said the sky remained overcast since morning before heavy rain began suddenly. According to him, the downpour continued for nearly one-and-a-half hours, making it difficult for people to move around or attend to their work. He added that although the rainfall was not as intense as in some previous years, continuous showers still affect business and daily life.
Sharma, who has been living and working in Shimla for the past 57 years, said weather patterns appear to have changed over time. He said rainfall seems to have reduced compared to earlier decades. He expressed hope that the weather would improve soon so that business activities could return to normal, adding that persistent rain often delays the opening of shops and affects regular work.
He also raised concerns about landslides during the monsoon season. According to him, incidents of rockfalls on roads have caused accidents in the past and continue to pose a risk to commuters.
The IMD's Meteorological Centre in Shimla said light to moderate rainfall was recorded in many parts of the state during the last 24 hours, while some places received heavy showers. The department has forecast light to moderate rain across most areas of Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall likely at isolated locations between August 6 and August 12.
For Thursday, the weather department issued a warning for heavy rain at isolated places in Bilaspur, Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur districts. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated locations in Shimla district.
The IMD has warned that heavy rain could lead to localised landslides, mudslides, flash floods and waterlogging. Rising water levels in rivers and streams, along with slippery roads and poor visibility, may also affect traffic movement. People have been advised to stay away from vulnerable areas and water bodies and to follow official weather advisories.
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