Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 28 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active monsoon spell across Himachal Pradesh until August 3, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in several districts over the next three days, prompting the weather office to issue orange and yellow alerts for different parts of the state.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla on Tuesday, senior scientist at the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, said widespread rainfall was recorded across the state during the past 24 hours, with Chamba, Bilaspur and Mandi among the worst-affected districts.
"The monsoon remained active across Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours. Heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Chamba, Bilaspur and Mandi districts. The monsoon is expected to remain active across the state from July 28 to August 3, with widespread rainfall likely, particularly between July 29 and 30," said Sandeep Kumar Sharma.
Sharma said the highest rainfall during the past 24 hours was recorded at Saho in Chamba district with 140 mm, followed by Bilaspur with 118 mm, while several other locations in Mandi and Shimla also received significant rainfall.
He said moderate to heavy rainfall was reported in Shimla, Bilaspur, Chamba and Kangra districts, while light to moderate rain occurred in most other parts of the state.
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Kangra and Mandi districts on July 28, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. A Yellow Alert has also been issued for Chamba, Kullu, Shimla and several other districts where heavy rainfall is likely.
For July 29, an Orange Alert has been issued for Sirmaur district, while Kullu and Mandi are expected to witness heavy rainfall under a Yellow Alert.
On July 30, Bilaspur, Chamba and Kangra are likely to receive heavy rainfall under an Orange Alert, while heavy rain is also expected at isolated places in the remaining districts under Yellow Alert warnings.
Sharma said monsoon activity would continue on July 31 and August 1, although the intensity of heavy rainfall is expected to reduce, with isolated heavy showers mainly over Chamba district.
"There is no warning of extreme weather at present. Rainfall was intense during the early morning hours, but conditions have eased. However, if weather systems intensify, flash heavy rainfall warnings may be issued accordingly," he said.
According to the IMD, Himachal Pradesh has so far recorded 6 per cent excess rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, which falls within the normal range. Four districts Hamirpur, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, and Mandi have received below-normal rainfall so far, while the remaining districts have recorded normal to above-normal precipitation.
For July alone, the state has received 7 per cent above-normal rainfall, which also falls within the normal category. The same four districts remain below normal for the month, while rainfall in the rest of the state has been normal or above normal.
Sharma said daytime temperatures had dropped by around one degree Celsius over the past 24 hours due to widespread rainfall and were expected to remain close to normal over the coming days. Temperatures in lower hill districts such as Mandi and Bilaspur are likely to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while higher hill stations, including Manali, are expected to record maximum temperatures of around 27 degrees Celsius.
He also advised motorists to exercise caution, particularly in Shimla and Solan, where low clouds and rain could reduce visibility during periods of heavy precipitation.
"Visibility may reduce significantly in Shimla and Solan due to low clouds and intense rainfall. People, especially motorists, should remain cautious while travelling during heavy rain," Sharma said.
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed heavy rainfall, and earlier today, a landslide triggered by incessant rain blocked the Cart Road near the Lift in Shimla. The road was later restored.
More than 230 roads remained closed across Himachal Pradesh following widespread heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours.