IMD Issues Yellow Alert as Heavy Rains Lash Himachal Pradesh

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rains across several districts of Himachal Pradesh over the next five days, issuing a yellow alert. Districts including Chamba, Kangra, and Solan experienced heavy downpours, with temperatures forecasted to remain below normal.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rains in various districts of Himachal Pradesh over the next five days, prompting a yellow alert from the Shimla weather centre. The alert covers districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, reported that light to moderate rains occurred in most places across the state in the past 24 hours. Districts such as Una, Solan, and Hamirpur experienced heavy rainfall, with Una recording the highest at 100 mm. Bilaspur and Nadaun followed, recording 72 mm, while Solan and Kasauli also saw significant precipitation.

'Over the next five to six days, moderate rainfall is expected in most midhill areas. From August 12 to 14, parts of Solan, Sirmaur, and Una districts are likely to receive heavy rains. After August 15, most places will experience light to moderate rains,' Sharma said. He added that August has seen 21% more rainfall than average, but overall monsoon rains are 22% below normal this year. In contrast, Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest rainfall at 73% below normal.

Monsoon rains have been normal in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, and Bilaspur. However, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts received below-average rainfall. Due to low-level clouds, Sirmaur, Solan, and Shimla are expected to experience fog and reduced visibility. 'Temperatures will remain below normal. Residents, especially in areas under the yellow alert, should remain vigilant,' Sharma warned.