PTC Web Desk: Heavy rainfall continues to disrupt normal life in Himachal Pradesh, with 185 roads blocked across the state, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre.

The downpour has also affected power and water infrastructure, with 104 transformers disrupted and 77 water-supply schemes affected in different districts.

Mandi, Kullu worst affected 

Mandi has reported the highest number of blocked roads, with 92 roads currently closed to traffic. Kullu follows with 48 blocked roads, while Shimla and Chamba have reported 14 roads each.

Sirmaur has nine blocked roads, followed by Kangra with five and Una with three.

The rainfall has also disrupted electricity supply in several areas. Kullu has reported the highest number of affected transformers at 53, followed by Mandi with 34.

Kinnaur has reported 12 disrupted transformers, while Shimla has four and Chamba has one.

The water supply network has also been affected. Of the 77 disrupted water-supply schemes, 55 are in Sirmaur, nine in Hamirpur, seven in Chamba and six in Shimla.

Also Read | Shubman Gill injury: India Captain likely to miss Sri Lanka warm-up match

The weather department has warned of more rainfall across Himachal Pradesh today. The state's Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for all 12 districts, with light to moderate rain expected at most places during the day.

The weather office has, however, forecast no major change in temperatures. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to remain close to normal levels.

Heavy rain recorded in several areas

Several parts of Himachal Pradesh received heavy rainfall on Friday night. Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall at 48.1 mm, while Manali received 22.0 mm. Koti in Kullu recorded 18.0 mm of rainfall. The state has been witnessing persistent rain for the past four days, leading to road closures and disruptions to essential services.

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra remains suspended

The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur district could not resume for the second consecutive day because of bad weather. The pilgrimage had also been suspended a day earlier due to rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity may weaken slightly over Himachal Pradesh during the next two days. However, a strong Western Disturbance is expected to become active from August 10, which could bring another spell of intense rainfall.

Orange alert on August 10 and 11

The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in some parts of Himachal Pradesh on August 10 and 11. An orange alert has been issued for Kangra and Sirmaur on August 10. On August 11, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur will remain under an orange alert. Other districts have been placed under a yellow alert for moderate to heavy rainfall.

The IMD has advised people in orange-alert districts to stay away from rivers, streams and areas vulnerable to landslides. Rain is expected to continue in the state until August 13

Temperatures fall sharply

The ongoing spell of rain has also brought down temperatures across Himachal Pradesh. The state's average maximum temperature is currently 3.1 degrees Celsius below normal. Keylong recorded the biggest drop, with its maximum temperature falling 8.7 degrees below normal to 16.1°C.

Bhuntar's maximum temperature stood at 24.8°C, down 6.5 degrees from normal. Chamba recorded 26.9°C, 5.9 degrees below normal, while Manali's temperature fell 5.8 degrees below normal to 19.6°C. Several other parts of the state have also recorded temperatures significantly below their normal levels.

Himachal records 6% rainfall deficit

Despite the recent heavy rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has received 6% less rainfall than normal during the ongoing monsoon season. According to the IMD, the state normally receives 425.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 7. This year, it has received 400.1 mm during the same period.

Hamirpur has recorded 43% less rainfall than normal, while Kangra has reported a 14% deficit. Lahaul-Spiti has received 52% less, Mandi 23% less and Solan 3% less rainfall than normal. Several districts, however, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Bilaspur has received 1% more rainfall than normal, Chamba 9% more, Kinnaur 32% more, Kullu 27% more and Shimla 25% more. Sirmaur has recorded 8% excess rainfall, while Una has received 9% more than normal.