Heavy Rain Expected in Himachal Pradesh

A brief spell of relatively lighter rainfall has brought temporary relief across Himachal Pradesh over the past three days, but the respite is unlikely to last. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a strong western disturbance is expected to become active from Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of widespread heavy rain across several districts through the end of the week.

The department has issued an Orange Alert for parts of the state between July 28 and July 31, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Wet conditions are expected to continue until at least August 1, raising fresh concerns over landslides, flash floods and transport disruptions during the peak monsoon period.

Rainfall intensity expected to increase from Tuesday

Monday carries a Yellow Alert for Bilaspur, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts.

From Tuesday onward, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further.

On July 28, Orange Alerts have been issued for Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur, while Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra remain under Yellow Alert.

The warning shifts on July 29, with Una, Kangra and Sirmaur expected to face a higher risk of heavy rainfall. Chamba, Mandi and Solan have also been advised to remain on alert.

On July 30, Orange Alerts cover Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba and Kangra, while Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur are under Yellow Alert.

The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall over the state’s mid-hill regions on July 31.

Landslide and flash flood risks remain high

Authorities have cautioned that renewed heavy rainfall could trigger landslides, falling rocks and road blockages across mountainous areas. Low-lying and plain regions remain vulnerable to sudden flash floods.

Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid rivers, seasonal streams and locations prone to landslides until weather conditions improve.

The warning comes as travel across the hill state remains vulnerable during the monsoon, when even short spells of intense rainfall can quickly disrupt highways and isolate remote communities.

Monsoon rainfall still below seasonal average

Despite repeated spells of rain this season, Himachal Pradesh has so far received below-normal monsoon precipitation.

Between June 1 and July 25, the state recorded 288.9 mm of rainfall against the long-term average of 312 mm, leaving the seasonal total about seven percent below normal.

Reduced rainfall over recent days has also pushed daytime temperatures higher across much of the state. Maximum temperatures in several towns have risen by up to three degrees Celsius, with the statewide average climbing around one degree above normal.

Meteorologists expect temperatures to fall again once widespread rainfall returns after Tuesday. Maximum temperatures across most parts of the state could drop to two to three degrees Celsius below normal as rain activity strengthens.