IMD warns of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, says intense showers can trigger landslides
Shimla, July 19
The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting widespread monsoon activity, heavy to very heavy rainfall, and the possibility of flash floods and landslides across several districts. The warning remains in effect until 8:30 am on July 20, 2026.
According to the Meteorological Centre, active weather conditions are being influenced by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Haryana and the monsoon trough shifting close to the Himalayan foothills. These systems are expected to intensify rainfall activity across the state over the next 24 hours.
During the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded at many places across Himachal Pradesh, with Dharamshala receiving the highest precipitation of 82.2 mm, indicating the strengthening of monsoon conditions.
The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Mandi districts, while Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Sirmaur are likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Kinnaur is also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated places.
The weather office cautioned that intense rainfall could trigger localised flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls, particularly in vulnerable hilly areas. Waterlogging in low-lying locations, traffic congestion, poor visibility, and slippery roads may disrupt transportation, while rising water levels in rivers, streams, and seasonal nullahs could pose additional risks.
The IMD also warned of possible partial damage to vulnerable structures, standing horticulture and agricultural crops, and localised disruptions to essential public services and routine outdoor activities.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid travel to landslide-prone areas unless absolutely necessary, stay away from rivers and fast-flowing streams, follow traffic advisories issued by the administration, and remain updated with the latest weather bulletins and emergency instructions issued by the state government.
The Meteorological Department has urged people to exercise caution over the next 24 hours as the active monsoon conditions are expected to persist across many areas of Himachal Pradesh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a tourist planning to visit Dharamshala next week, this is definitely making me reconsider. But I guess it's nature's way of reminding us that the Himalayas are both beautiful and powerful. We'll wait for the weather to clear and reschedule. Good that IMD is giving early warnings.
This is serious. My cousin is in Mandi and she said schools have been closed for two days already. The problem isn't just rain, it's that Himachal's hillsides are getting more unstable every year due to construction and deforestation. We need long-term planning, not just annual warnings. 🌧️
I've been tracking the monsoon trough this year and it's definitely unusual how far north it's staying. Himachal usually gets its worst in August. If this continues, July could break records. Good to see IMD giving granular district-level warnings instead of just a blanket alert. 👍
I've said it before and I'll say it again - why do people keep building resorts and houses on such steep slopes in Himachal? Then when landslides happen, everyone acts surprised. 😒 We need stricter enforcement of building bylaws. Otherwise more warnings won't help.
Like many from Himachal, my extended family still lives in the villages near Kullu. Every monsoon, we worry about them. Thank you IMD for the clear warnings, but ground-level preparation is equally important. I hope the district administrations have their disaster response teams ready. Jai Himachal! 🙏🍃
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