Shimla, 30 July (H.S.): The monsoon is expected to remain active in Himachal Pradesh for the next several days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised people to remain alert as heavy rainfall is likely in several parts of the state. The department’s Flash Flood Guidance Cell has forecast a low to moderate risk of flash floods in seven districts of the state during the next 24 hours, until 5:30 am on July 31. The districts under the warning include Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan.

According to the department, sudden rises in water levels may occur in certain catchment areas and low-lying regions of these districts. People have been advised to avoid venturing near rivers, streams and seasonal water channels and to keep track of the latest weather updates.

The Meteorological Department has also issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts for Thursday. An orange alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, a yellow alert remains in place for Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts. The department stated that rainfall activity is likely to continue across the state until August 5, with a yellow alert remaining effective during this period. Due to persistent rainfall, the risk of landslides, falling rocks and waterlogging in low-lying areas is expected to continue.

Cloudy conditions prevailed across most parts of the state, including the capital Shimla, on Thursday morning, with light rainfall reported at some locations.

During the past 24 hours, rainfall intensity across Himachal Pradesh remained lower compared to previous days, with light to moderate showers recorded at most places. The highest rainfall of 51 mm was recorded in Kasauli in Solan district. It was followed by Sarahan in Shimla district with 32.5 mm, Naina Devi in Bilaspur with 26 mm, Kataula in Mandi with 23 mm, Jogindernagar with 20 mm and Nichar in Kinnaur with 17 mm of rainfall.

Although reduced rainfall has brought some relief to residents, the impact of the continuous heavy rains over the past few days is still being felt. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, around 150 roads remain closed due to landslides and other weather-related disruptions, affecting transportation in several areas.

With rainfall activity decreasing, humidity levels have increased across the state, and minimum temperatures have been recorded above normal. On Thursday morning, the average minimum temperature in Himachal Pradesh was 1.4 degrees Celsius above normal.

Bilaspur recorded the highest minimum temperature at 25.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Hamirpur at 25.4 degrees, Mandi at 24.4 degrees, Kangra at 23.8 degrees, Sundernagar at 23.1 degrees, Una and Seobagh at 22.3 degrees, Dharamshala at 21.7 degrees, Solan at 21.4 degrees, Nahan at 21.3 degrees, Jubbarhatti at 20.8 degrees, Palampur at 20.5 degrees, Bhuntar at 20.4 degrees, Manali at 19.5 degrees, Kasauli at 19.0 degrees, Kotkhai at 18.7 degrees, Dalhousie at 17.9 degrees, Sarahan at 17.7 degrees, Mashobra at 17.2 degrees, Shimla at 16.8 degrees, Tabo at 16.5 degrees, Kalpa at 15.6 degrees, Kufri at 14.7 degrees, Kukumseri at 13.9 degrees, Keylong at 13.6 degrees and Bharmour at 13.0 degrees Celsius.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar