Southwest monsoon hits Himachal, four days behind normal arrival
Shimla, June 30
The southwest monsoon on Tuesday reached the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, said the India Meteorological Department's Shimla office. Its normal arrival in the state is June 26, and last year it hit the state on June 20.
The monsoon covered the entire Kinnaur district, most parts of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts, many parts of Shimla and Mandi districts, and some parts of Sirmaur and Kangra districts, it said in a statement.
The Met office said conditions are favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon over remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh in the next two to three days.
Agriculture, the main occupation of the people in Himachal Pradesh, provides direct employment to 69 per cent of the population. More than 80 per cent of horticultural and agricultural activities here are rainfed.
The weather bureau forecast said fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over many parts of low hills, adjoining mid hills and light to moderate rainfall over some parts of the high and adjoining mid hills of the state till July 4, with the peak intensity on July 2 and 3.
It said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kangra districts on July 2; over Una, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts on July 3; and over Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla districts on July 4.
It also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph likely at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Kullu districts till July 4.
The MeT Department said no large change in minimum and maximum temperatures is expected over the next three to four days; thereafter, they are likely to fall by 2 to 3 degrees.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Four days late is not too bad, but with 80% of agriculture being rainfed, even a slight delay can cause stress for farmers. I hope the forecast of heavy rainfall doesn't lead to landslides in the hills. Stay safe, everyone.
It's always a relief when the monsoon arrives. But I worry about the lightning and strong winds predicted. My parents in Mandi district have already started preparing for potential power cuts. Let's hope the rain is more gentle than destructive. 🌧️
The Met Department should improve their prediction models. 26 June normal arrival, but they announce on 30 June? That's four days of uncertainty for farmers. We need better early warning systems, especially for districts like Una and Bilaspur that face heavy rain risks.
As a resident of Shimla, I'm actually looking forward to this! The summer heat has been unbearable. Let's hope the rain comes evenly and doesn't cause flooding in the lower areas. Jai Himachal! 🌄
I hope the authorities take the thunderstorm warning seriously. Last year, we had a tree fall on our road in Kangra due to strong winds. Better to be prepared than sorry. Good luck to all farmers this season.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.