Himachal Pradesh to see active monsoon till September 3 as 98 roads remain blocked

Himachal Pradesh is likely to see active monsoon conditions through September 3, with isolated heavy rainfall forecast in several districts, even as 98 roads remained blocked and 107 distribution transformer regions were disrupted across the state, officials said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in seven districts on September 1, with Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Bilaspur, Solan and Sirmaur expected to receive heavy spells.

IMD senior scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said light to moderate rain had been recorded across parts of the state over the previous 24 hours, with isolated heavy spells in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur.


Malgaon in Kangra and Joginder Nagar in Mandi recorded the highest rainfall during the period, at around 17 mm each, while Shimla city received about 6 mm.

"From August 31 to September 4, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue over several districts, particularly the mid-hill areas. During this period, isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some districts," Sharma said.

Heavy rain warning through September 3

According to the IMD forecast, isolated heavy rainfall was expected in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on August 31.

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify on September 1, prompting the yellow warning across Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Bilaspur, Solan and Sirmaur.

On September 2, isolated heavy rain is forecast in Kangra, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. The intensity is expected to ease on September 3, although heavy rainfall could continue in Kangra and Sirmaur.

Light rainfall may persist on September 4, but the likelihood of significant rainfall is expected to be relatively low. Rainfall on September 5 and 6 is likely to remain confined to a few areas.

"Overall, the monsoon will remain active across Himachal Pradesh from August 31 to September 3," Sharma said.

98 roads blocked, power and water supply hit

The continuing rainfall has disrupted infrastructure in several parts of the state.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) status report compiled on the morning of August 31, 98 roads were blocked across Himachal Pradesh. No National Highway was among the affected roads.

Mandi was the worst affected, with 43 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 16, Chamba with 15, Kangra with seven, Sirmaur with five, Solan and Una with four each, and Lahaul and Spiti and Shimla with two each.

Power supply was also disrupted, with 107 Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs) affected across the state. Mandi accounted for 89 of them, followed by Lahaul and Spiti with eight, and Chamba and Solan with five each.

A total of 37 water supply schemes were reported disrupted, all in Hamirpur district. The affected areas included the Barsar, Bhota, Bhoranj and Sujanpur subdivisions.

Authorities have warned of landslides, mudslides, waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising river and stream levels and slippery road conditions as rainfall continues.

Himachal rainfall 10% below normal this monsoon

Despite the recent spells, Himachal Pradesh has received around 10% less rainfall than normal between June 1 and August 31, Sharma said.

Only a few districts have recorded significant rainfall deficiencies. Lahaul and Spiti has received around 60% below-normal rainfall, while another district has recorded a deficiency of about 35%.

In contrast, Kullu and Shimla have received around 14% more rainfall than normal.

Rainfall in most other parts of the state has remained close to normal, according to the IMD.

Temperatures likely to remain near normal

Temperatures in several parts of Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours were around 1-2 degrees Celsius above normal, although they remained within the normal seasonal range.

Some stations, including Bunthar and Kalpa, recorded temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius above normal.

The expected rainfall over the next four days, however, is likely to keep temperatures in the plains and mid-hill areas close to normal.

"During this period, temperatures in the plains and mid-hill areas are likely to remain around normal," Sharma said.

Shimla is expected to see temperatures between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, while lower and mid-hill areas, including Kangra and Mandi, could see temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius.

IMD cautions residents, tourists

With heavy rainfall expected to continue through September 3, Sharma warned of rising water levels in major rivers and local streams.

"As the weather activity is likely to remain strong from August 31 to September 3, water levels in major rivers and local streams may rise. The general public is advised not to go near water bodies," he said.

Visibility could also deteriorate considerably in several districts during periods of heavy rain and cloud cover.

"Visibility may become quite low in several districts. Whenever you plan travel, plan accordingly and follow the advisories issued by the state government," Sharma said.

Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid landslide- and flash-flood-prone areas, maintain a safe distance from rivers, streams and other water bodies, follow traffic and speed advisories, and remain updated through official government alerts.