Monsoon Gears Up for Himachal: IMD Issues Advisory
Shimla, June 18: The wait for monsoon is almost over for Himachal Pradesh as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that conditions are becoming favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon into many parts of the state over the next 2–3 days.
The hill state is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall till June 19, followed by intensified showers, including isolated heavy to very heavy spells, from June 20 to June 24.
According to Bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre Shimla, the western disturbance currently lies as a cyclonic circulation over Punjab and neighbouring regions. This, along with favourable synoptic conditions, is expected to enhance rainfall activity across the state.
Rain Forecast Highlights
June 18–19: Light to moderate rainfall likely at few places across the state.
June 20–21: Heavy rain expected at isolated places, mainly in Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur.
June 22–23: Himachal may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, particularly in the low and mid-hill districts.
June 24: Rain activity expected to ease but light to moderate rain likely at many places.
Temperature Trends
Minimum Temperatures: Remain stable over the next two days, expected to drop by 3–4°C thereafter.
Maximum Temperatures: Likely to rise by 2–4°C in the next 48 hours, but a gradual fall of 3–4°C is forecast for the subsequent days due to intensified rainfall.
Rainfall Record
In the past 24 hours, Sundernagar (5 cm) and Bhuntar, Gohar, Mandi, Banjar, Rohru, and others (1–3 cm) received notable rainfall.
The state also experienced a marked fall in day temperatures, with Paonta Sahib recording the highest at 34°C and Keylong the lowest at 9.8°C.
District-level Warnings
From June 20 onwards, districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Sirmaur are on alert for heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places.
The IMD has warned of possible localized landslides, waterlogging, damage to kutcha structures, traffic congestion, and disruption of essential services.
Advisory to Public
Avoid venturing near rivers and nallahs during heavy spells.
Refrain from travel to landslide-prone areas.
Stay updated with local advisories and road conditions.
Follow government alerts strictly during the peak monsoon period.
The IMD bulletin further added that no heat wave, hailstorm, or gusty winds were observed or predicted during this period.
However, residents and tourists have been advised to remain cautious and prepared, especially between June 20 and June 23, when monsoon activity is expected to peak.
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