Himachal weather: Monsoon weakens across state, 32% rain deficit over past week
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The weakening monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has led to sporadic rainfall across the state, despite the Meteorological Department’s orange alert for heavy rain.
Over the past three days, only light rain has been reported in a few areas. The state has experienced 32 per cent less rainfall than normal over the last week and 49 per cent less than average for the month of June.
Surender Paul, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, stated that decreased monsoon activity in the Bay of Bengal has resulted in heavy winds in Himachal Pradesh, limiting rain to select parts. “Over the next 48 hours, monsoon activity is expected to increase in some parts of the state. On July 5 and 6, a western disturbance will heighten activity, bringing rain to most areas,” he added.
Forecasts predict heavy rain in the coming three to four days, with potential downpours in Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra and Una districts.
On Tuesday, Kangra recorded 76 mm of rainfall, Barthi in Bilaspur saw 41.6 mm, Dharamshala experienced 40 mm and Nahan reported 18 mm. Light rain was noted in Solan, Hamirpur and Shimla. The minimum temperature in some places has dropped by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature has seen a decline of about 2 to 5 degrees Celsius.
In anticipation of potential hazards, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a high alert for landslides on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway from Ghatta to Kotropi and Magal. Drivers have been urged to exercise caution.
