The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Himachal Pradesh will continue to see moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days. According to Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the rain is likely to pause briefly on July 19 but will resume and continue till July 23.
“In the past 24 hours, districts like Sirmaur, Kangra, and Mandi witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall. If we look at the data, Nahan in Sirmaur district recorded 57 mm of rain,” he said. Some light showers were also reported in isolated areas in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Solan, and Bilaspur.
For the next two days, light to moderate rainfall is expected in parts of Bilaspur, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts on Thursday.
“These conditions are expected to continue tomorrow as well,” Sharma said. A yellow alert remains in place for Chamba, Kangra, and Sirmaur as of July 18. However, there is no heavy rain warning for July 19, and a brief break in intense rainfall is likely.
"Rain activity will pick up again between July 20 and 23, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the lower hill districts, including Una, Chamba, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, Solan, and parts of Shimla district," he added.
Despite the recent rain spells, overall monsoon rainfall this season has been normal. Himachal has received about 12 per cent more rain than average so far. Only Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts have seen slightly less than normal rainfall. All other areas have received normal or above-normal rains.
“Even in July, the rainfall levels across Himachal have been largely normal,” Sharma added. Temperatures across the state are also normal, but a slight dip is expected around July 20.
While the weather on July 19 is likely to be more stable, rain will continue on and off across the state from today till July 23.
In response, the district administrations in Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur have issued advisories. Due to low clouds, visibility may be poor in some places. River and stream levels could rise due to the rain.
"The public is advised to remain cautious and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities," Sharma said.
Follow us
