Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness active monsoon conditions till September 3, with isolated heavy rainfall forecast in several districts, while 98 roads remained blocked and 107 distribution transformer regions (DTRs) were disrupted across the state, officials said.
Senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, told ANI in Shimla that light to moderate rainfall was recorded at several places across the state during the past 24 hours, with isolated heavy spells in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur.
The highest rainfall of around 17 mm was recorded at Malgaon in Kangra district and Joginder Nagar in Mandi district, while Shimla city received around 6 mm of rainfall during the period.
“From August 31 to September 4, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue over several districts, particularly the mid-hill areas. During this period, isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some districts,” Sharma said.
According to the IMD forecast, rainfall activity is likely to intensify on September 1, with a yellow warning for heavy rainfall issued for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Bilaspur, Solan and Sirmaur.
On September 2, isolated heavy rainfall is forecast over Kangra, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. On September 3, rainfall intensity is likely to decrease, although heavy rainfall could continue over Kangra and Sirmaur.
Light rainfall activity may continue on September 4, though the possibility of significant rainfall is relatively low. Rainfall on September 5 and 6 is likely to remain confined to a few areas.
“Overall, the monsoon will remain active across Himachal Pradesh from August 31 to September 3,” Sharma said.
Giving details of the seasonal rainfall, Sharma said the state had received around 10 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and August 31 this year.
Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest rainfall deficiency at around 60 per cent below normal, while another district recorded a deficiency of around 35 per cent, he said.
In contrast, Kullu and Shimla received around 14 per cent more rainfall than normal. Most other districts recorded rainfall close to the normal range, according to the IMD scientist.
Sharma said temperatures in several parts of Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours were around 1-2 degrees Celsius above normal, but remained within the normal seasonal range.
Some stations, including Bunthar and Kalpa, recorded temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius above normal.
However, continued rainfall over the next four days is likely to keep temperatures in the plains and mid-hill areas around normal, he said.
“During this period, temperatures in the plains and mid-hill areas are likely to remain around normal,” Sharma said.
Shimla’s temperatures are likely to remain between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in the lower and mid-hill areas, including Kangra and Mandi, could remain around 32 degrees Celsius.
Sharma cautioned residents and tourists about the possibility of rising water levels in major rivers and local streams as rainfall activity remains strong through September 3.
“As the weather activity is likely to remain strong from August 31 to September 3, water levels in major rivers and local streams may rise. The general public is advised not to go near water bodies,” he said.
He also warned that visibility could deteriorate considerably in several districts, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and cloud cover.
“Visibility may become quite low in several districts. Whenever you plan travel, plan accordingly and follow the advisories issued by the state government,” Sharma said.
Meanwhile, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) status report compiled on the morning of August 31, 98 roads, including no National Highway, remained blocked across Himachal Pradesh due to adverse weather conditions.
Mandi was the worst affected, with 43 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 16, Chamba with 15, Kangra with seven, Sirmaur with five, Solan and Una with four each, Lahaul and Spiti with two and Shimla with two.
Power supply was also affected, with 107 Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs) reported disrupted across the state. Mandi accounted for 89 of the disrupted DTRs, followed by Lahaul and Spiti with eight, and Chamba and Solan with five each.
A total of 37 water supply schemes were also reported disrupted, all in Hamirpur district, including areas under the Barsar, Bhota, Bhoranj and Sujanpur subdivisions.
Authorities have warned of possible landslides, mudslides, waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising water levels in rivers and streams and slippery road conditions amid the continuing rainfall.
Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid vulnerable landslide- and flash-flood-prone areas, maintain a safe distance from rivers, streams and other water bodies, follow traffic and speed advisories, and remain updated through official government alerts. (ANI)
