Himachal Monsoon To Stay Active For Next 45 days, IMD Issues Orange Alerts

The southwest monsoon has now covered the whole of Himachal Pradesh and is expected to remain active over the next 45 days, bringing frequent spells of rain and increasing the risk of landslides, mudslides and localised flash floods in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for multiple districts as heavy rainfall is forecast over the coming week.

Monsoon expected to remain active despite brief lull

The southwest monsoon completed its advance across Himachal Pradesh on July 1 after gradually covering the state over the past few days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Speaking to ANI, Shobhit Katiyar, Head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, said widespread rainfall has already been recorded across the state.

"The monsoon has now covered the entire state as of July 1. During the last two to three days, rainfall activity has remained widespread across all districts, with heavy rainfall particularly reported from Chamba and Kangra districts," Katiyar said.

He said the monsoon is expected to remain active across Himachal Pradesh for nearly the next 45 days. While rainfall activity may weaken briefly on July 4, it is expected to intensify again soon after.

Kangra district is likely to witness continuous spells of heavy rainfall over the next four to five days. Similar conditions are forecast in Kullu and Mandi between July 3 and July 6, while Shimla is expected to receive significant rainfall over the next five days.

Solan is likely to receive widespread rainfall around July 6, while Sirmaur is expected to experience heavy rainfall over the next five days. Bilaspur and Hamirpur are also likely to receive good rainfall between July 5 and July 8.

"Orange Alerts have been issued for Kangra district on July 2, 3 and 5. Orange Alerts have also been issued for Kullu and Mandi on July 6, Shimla on July 5 and 6, and Sirmaur on July 5 and 6," he said.

IMD warns of landslides, rising rivers and hazardous travel

Although no flash flood warning has been issued so far, the IMD has cautioned that districts under orange alert face an elevated risk of landslides, mudslides and localised flash floods because of intense rainfall.

"As rainfall continues across the state over the coming week, water levels and flow in rivers and streams will continue to rise. We have advised people to stay away from rivers and seasonal nullahs during and after rainfall," he said.

The department also warned that heavy rainfall could damage horticultural crops in some areas. Slippery roads, poor visibility and difficult driving conditions are also expected across hilly terrain.

"We appeal to people to strictly follow advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department as well as instructions issued by the state government and district administrations so that loss of life and property can be minimised," he added.

Katiyar said the IMD is coordinating closely with the Himachal Pradesh government and other agencies to ensure weather alerts reach the public on time.

"All weather alerts issued by the IMD are being shared with the state government and concerned agencies promptly. Our nowcast services are updated every three hours, and we are also disseminating weather information through the media to ensure timely public awareness," he said.

July likely to see active monsoon phase as temperatures dip

Katiyar said this year's monsoon reached Himachal Pradesh slightly later than usual, with the entire state coming under its influence only on July 1. June rainfall remained around 35 per cent below normal against the seasonal average of about 101 mm, but rainfall has picked up significantly since the onset of the monsoon.

He said rainfall during the first week of July is expected to remain near normal across the state.

"The second week of July, from July 9 to July 16, is expected to be the most active monsoon period, with widespread rainfall likely across almost all districts. During the third week, between July 16 and July 23, monsoon activity is expected to remain particularly strong over Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur, while rainfall in other districts is likely to remain near normal. During the last week of July, monsoon activity is expected to weaken somewhat," he said.

Persistent rainfall has also brought down temperatures across the state.

"Temperatures have fallen by around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius across most districts over the past two to three days, and no significant change in temperatures is expected over the coming days," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)