SHIMLA: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that conditions are becoming favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh over the next few days.
Shimla city was lashed by spells of showers in wee hours today bringing relief to residents from heat and moisture to tree plantations carried out in Shimla district early this week.
According to the IMD's national weather bulletin, isolated rainfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh from June 28 to July 1, and over Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh on June 28 and 29. Uttarakhand is likely to receive isolated rainfall on June 28.
Rainfall activity is expected to increase thereafter. The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh from June 30 to July 4, Himachal Pradesh from July 2 to July 4, and Uttarakhand from June 29 to July 4.
The weather office has also forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh from July 1 to July 4, Uttarakhand from June 30 to July 4, and Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh on July 2 and 3.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh on June 28-29, Uttarakhand on July 2-3, and Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh from June 28 to July 4.
Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph, are also likely over Himachal Pradesh between June 30 and July 4, while Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh may experience winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, during the same period. Isolated hailstorms are also possible over Jammu & Kashmir on June 30.
The IMD has advised people to keep track of the latest weather forecasts and district-wise warnings, especially those travelling in the hill states during the onset of the monsoon.
With rainfall activity expected to increase, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administrations and other field agencies may keep a close watch on the evolving weather situation and remain prepared for any weather-related response, in line with standard monsoon preparedness measures.
The forecast is of particular importance for tourists, pilgrims, transport operators and farmers, who are advised to plan their activities in accordance with the latest IMD forecasts and local advisories.
