IMD issues yellow warning for Himachal as heavy to very heavy rain forecast from July 18
Shimla, July 17
The India Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of widespread monsoon activity across Himachal Pradesh from July 18, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places over the following several days. A yellow warning has been issued for parts of the state as rainfall activity is expected to intensify.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, rainfall is expected to increase progressively during the coming week. While July 17 is likely to witness scattered rainfall over 26 to 50 per cent of the state without any warning, fairly widespread rainfall covering 51 to 75 per cent of the state is forecast for July 18, when heavy rain is expected at isolated places.
The weather office has predicted widespread rainfall across 76 to 100 per cent of Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to July 22, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations. Widespread rainfall is expected to continue on July 23, with heavy rain likely at isolated places.
The forecast comes after largely dry weather prevailed across the state during the past 24 hours, except for light rainfall at a few places. Nagrota Suriyan recorded the highest rainfall at 28.8 mm, followed by Kangra with 10.2 mm.
Maximum temperatures remained 2°C to 4°C above normal at most places. Una was the hottest location in the state with a maximum temperature of 38.0°C, while Keylong recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 12.2°C.
The IMD attributed the expected increase in rainfall to multiple active weather systems. A monsoon trough currently extends through Jammu, Bareilly and towards the northeast Bay of Bengal, while a western disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over the Jammu region. In addition, a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from July 19, further enhancing rainfall activity over Himachal Pradesh.
The weather office has advised residents and tourists to remain alert and monitor official advisories, as prolonged heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, rockfalls and disruptions to road connectivity in vulnerable areas across the hill state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Yellow warning is just the start. I've seen what heavy rain does to Manali and Kullu roads every year. The government better have emergency plans ready for tourists stranded in those narrow valleys. Last year's flooding in Shimla was a lesson we can't forget.
I'm from Dharamshala and we desperately need this rain. The apple orchards are wilting. But at the same time, the weather department's predictions are always over-hyped. "Very heavy rainfall" usually means a moderate drizzle here. Let's see if they get it right this time.
Monsoon trough, western disturbance, cyclonic circulation... that's a lot of systems aligning! But I wish the IMD would be more specific about which areas are most vulnerable. Just saying "isolated places" doesn't help much for local planning. Still, good that they're alerting people early.
Stay safe, Himachal! These rains are needed but the landslides and traffic jams on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway are going to be a mess. Tourists should carry extra food and blankets in case they get stuck. Govt should also ensure mobile connectivity in remote areas during this period. 🚗⛈️
As someone who grew up in the UK, I can tell you that a "yellow warning" is the mildest level. But in the Himalayas, that can still mean dangerous conditions. Hope everyone takes it seriously, especially with the threat of flash floods. The weather systems mentioned sound complex.
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