The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for the Kangra, Chamba, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal Pradesh due to predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall. This comes as the southwest monsoon remains highly active in the region. A representative from the IMD, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, revealed that the state has experienced widespread rainfall during the past 24 hours, with the most significant amounts recorded in the aforementioned districts.

Sharma reported that Palampur received the highest rainfall, measuring 140 mm by 8:30 a.m. on July 21. Other areas, including Rajgarh, Paonta Sahib, and Nahan in Sirmaur, also experienced notable rainfall, with Rajgarh recording approximately 105 mm. Heavy downpours were noted particularly in Churah and Jot areas of Chamba, and rainfall is expected to continue across parts of Chamba, Kangra, and neighbouring regions such as Kullu and Mandi.

The IMD forecasts further intense weather activity for July 21, especially during the night, suggesting that conditions may worsen in Kangra and Chamba. A Red Alert has been maintained because isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall are anticipated.

Impacts and Alerts for Other Regions

While the intensity of rainfall in Sirmaur may taper off compared to the previous days, the cumulative effect of ongoing rain has prompted the IMD to retain the Red Alert in that area for the next 24 hours. Conversely, Kullu and Mandi have been downgraded to an Orange Alert, indicating a potential reduction in rainfall there. Shimla remains under an Orange Alert as well.

Sharma indicated that rainfall levels are likely to decrease starting July 22, with the Orange Alert persisting mainly for Kangra and Mandi. Other districts, including Chamba, Shimla, and Solan, will be under a Yellow Alert, anticipating heavy rainfall as well. The forecast suggests a significant decline in rainfall from July 23 onwards, although periods of rain may still occur on July 24 and 25, particularly in mid-hill and adjoining plains.

Isolated heavy rainfall might still affect regions such as Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, and Una on those days. The IMD has issued advisories for potential flash flooding in several districts due to the already saturated ground conditions caused by continuous rainfall.

Seasonal Rainfall and Temperature Trends

Sharma warned that the heavy rains in the preceding 24 hours have increased the risk of flash floods, particularly in Shimla and surrounding districts such as Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba. He noted that advisories have been issued for these areas in anticipation of any further intense rainfall that could trigger such situations.

On a broader scale, Sharma reported that only four districts—Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Mandi—have recorded below-normal rainfall during July. The remaining districts have largely received above-normal rainfall. Overall, from June 1 to July 21, Himachal Pradesh experienced 14 per cent below-normal rainfall, with some districts nearing seasonal averages.

Regarding temperature fluctuations, maximum temperatures dropped by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the past day due to widespread rainfall. In Shimla, Solan, and Dharamshala, maximum temperatures ranged between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. The most significant decreases were observed in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Mandi, where temperatures fell between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Paonta Sahib registered the highest temperature at 32 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has advised that daytime temperatures will likely remain below normal in many parts of the state over the next two days. Furthermore, low clouds are expected to affect visibility in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur, particularly during heavy rainfall, which could further reduce visibility in affected areas.

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