Yellow alerts issued

For Tuesday, the department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts. Thunderstorms and lightning are also possible at a few places. On Wednesday, the yellow alert covers Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla.

The system is expected to peak on October 15. A yellow alert has been issued for every district that day, except Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Temperatures will stay below normal through this period.

When will the weather clear?

The western disturbance will begin to weaken from October 16. Light drizzle may occur at one or two mid-altitude locations on October 17. From October 18, the skies are expected to clear fully.

High-altitude areas turn bitterly cold

After rain and snow over the past 24 hours, the higher areas have turned very cold, with conditions feeling more like December than October.

Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti recorded a minimum of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, the first sub-zero reading of this winter season. Minimum temperatures at Shinku La, Rohtang and Baralacha La have dropped below 2 degrees and seven towns across the state have recorded lows under 10 degrees.

Daytime temperatures fall sharply

Maximum temperatures have also fallen steeply. The state’s average maximum is 7.3 degrees below normal. Chamba saw the biggest drop, falling 15.1 degrees below normal to 16.8 degrees.

The sharp fall has made mornings, evenings and nights noticeably colder in the hills.

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ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੀ ਭਵਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ 8 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਮੈਦਾਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਹੇਠਲੇ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਤੋਂ ਦਰਮਿਆਨੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਮੱਧ-ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਮੀਂਹ ਪੈਣ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਉੱਚੇ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਜਾਂ ਦੋ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਬਰਫ਼ਬਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। 9 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਮੈਦਾਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਹੇਠਲੇ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਲੱਗ-ਥਲੱਗ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਮੱਧ-ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਉੱਚੀਆਂ ਉਚਾਈਆਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼/ਬਰਫ਼ਬਾਰੀ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। 10 ਤੋਂ 14 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਤੱਕ ਅਲੱਗ-ਥਲੱਗ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਜਾਰੀ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਭਵਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅਗਲੇ 3-4 ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਕਈ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ 2 ਤੋਂ 4 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਵਧਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। ਅਗਲੇ 24 ਘੰਟਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਈ ਹਿੱਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ 2 ਤੋਂ 3 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਦਾ ਵਾਧਾ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। ਅਗਲੇ 2-3 ਦਿਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਬਦਲਾਅ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਇਆ ਹੈ।

ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੇ ਮੀਂਹ-ਤੂਫ਼ਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਡਿੱਗਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਬਾਹਰੀ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੀਮਤ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਥਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਸਲਾਹ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ। ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਰੱਖਤਾਂ ਹੇਠ ਪਨਾਹ ਲੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਣ, ਕੰਕਰੀਟ ਦੇ ਫਰਸ਼ਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਨਾ ਲੇਟਣ ਅਤੇ ਨਾਜ਼ੁਕ ਢਾਂਚਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਉੱਡਦੀਆਂ ਵਸਤੂਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਸਾਵਧਾਨ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਸਲਾਹ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੀ 7 ਦਿਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਭਵਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ 6, 7, 8 ਅਤੇ 9 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਮੈਦਾਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਹੇਠਲੇ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਤੋਂ ਦਰਮਿਆਨੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਮੱਧ-ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਮੀਂਹ ਪੈਣ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਉੱਚੇ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਬਰਫ਼ਬਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਭਵਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਾ-ਵਾਰ ਭਵਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਊਨਾ, ਬਿਲਾਸਪੁਰ, ਹਮੀਰਪੁਰ, ਕਾਂਗੜਾ, ਕੁੱਲੂ, ਮੰਡੀ, ਸ਼ਿਮਲਾ, ਸੋਲਨ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਰਮੌਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਕਈ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੀਂਹ ਪੈਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ। ਚੰਬਾ, ਕਾਂਗੜਾ ਅਤੇ ਕੁੱਲੂ ਦੇ ਉੱਚੇ ਇਲਾਕਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਕਿਨੌਰ ਅਤੇ ਲਾਹੌਲ-ਸਪੀਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਬਰਫ਼ਬਾਰੀ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ।    

ਮੀਂਹ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਗਰਜ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਡਿੱਗਣ ਦਾ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ ਵੀ ਰਹੇਗਾ। ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ 6 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਜਾਂ ਦੋ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ 40-50 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਘੰਟਾ ਦੀ ਰਫ਼ਤਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਗਰਜ, ਬਿਜਲੀ ਡਿੱਗਣ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਜ਼ ਹਵਾਵਾਂ ਚੱਲ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। 7 ਤੋਂ 9 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ 30-40 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਘੰਟਾ ਦੀ ਰਫ਼ਤਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਤੇਜ਼ ਹਵਾਵਾਂ ਚੱਲਣ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ।  ਕੁਝ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਹਲਕੀ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਬਰਫ਼ਬਾਰੀ ਵੀ ਸੰਭਵ ਹੈ । ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਬਾਕੀ ਹਫ਼ਤੇ ਮੌਸਮ ਮੁੱਖ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਖੁਸ਼ਕ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। 

ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਦਲਾਅ ਦਾ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਵੀ ਅਸਰ ਪਵੇਗਾ । ਵਿਭਾਗ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਅਗਲੇ 24 ਘੰਟਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਵੱਡਾ ਬਦਲਾਅ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਅਗਲੇ 3-4 ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ 2-3 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ 2-5 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਘੱਟ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਿਛਲੇ 24 ਘੰਟਿਆਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਰਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੌਸਮ ਖੁਸ਼ਕ ਰਿਹਾ। ਕਈ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ ਆਮ ਨਾਲੋਂ 2-4 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਵੱਧ ਰਿਹਾ। ਉੱਚ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਤਾਪਮਾਨ 4 ਤੋਂ 11 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ, ਮੱਧ-ਪਹਾੜੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ 13 ਤੋਂ 19 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਹੇਠਲੇ ਪਹਾੜੀ/ਮੈਦਾਨ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ 20 ਤੋਂ 24 ਡਿਗਰੀ ਸੈਲਸੀਅਸ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸੀ।

ਮੌਸਮ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਦੇ ਅੰਕੜਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਪਤਾ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ 1 ਤੋਂ 5 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਤੱਕ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਮ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਘੱਟ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋਈ। ਇਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਬਿਲਾਸਪੁਰ, ਚੰਬਾ, ਹਮੀਰਪੁਰ, ਕਾਂਗੜਾ, ਕਿਨੌਰ, ਕੁੱਲੂ, ਲਾਹੌਲ-ਸਪਿਤੀ, ਸ਼ਿਮਲਾ, ਸਿਰਮੌਰ, ਸੋਲਨ ਅਤੇ ਊਨਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਜ਼ੀਰੋ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਦਰਜ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ। ਇਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਮੰਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ 1.4 ਮਿਲੀਮੀਟਰ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਹੋਈ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਆਮ 3.9 ਮਿਲੀਮੀਟਰ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਸੀ। ਪੂਰੇ ਸਬ-ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਪੱਧਰ 'ਤੇ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਸਿਰਫ 0.1 ਮਿਲੀਮੀਟਰ ਸੀ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਆਮ 4.4 ਮਿਲੀਮੀਟਰ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਸੀ। ਇਹ 98% ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਦੀ ਘਾਟ ਨੂੰ ਦਰਸਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਨੁਮਾਨਿਤ ਬਾਰਿਸ਼ ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਗਬਾਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ ਤੂਫਾਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਤੇਜ਼ ਹਵਾਵਾਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਫਸਲਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਗਬਾਨੀ ਨੂੰ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਸਾਵਧਾਨੀ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ।

Thousands of tourist vehicles reached Manali over the past two days, while a large number of visitors also arrived by Volvo buses. The sudden rise in tourist numbers has brought the town back to life, with Mall Road, local markets and major attractions remaining busy throughout the day.

The rush has also brought some relief to tourism businesses that had been waiting for a pick-up. Hotels, homestays, taxi operators and shopkeepers are seeing increased activity as visitors make the most of the holiday break.

Rohtang, Sissu and Solang see tourist rush

Tourists have been visiting several popular destinations around Manali, including Rohtang Pass, Sissu, Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley.

The drop in temperature has added to the attraction of the higher reaches. Some visitors have arrived hoping to witness snowfall, while others are exploring the mountains, enjoying scenic views and taking part in adventure activities.

Trekking is also drawing visitors, with Hamta and Bhrigu Lake among the routes attracting tourists. Many travellers are heading towards these trails to experience the mountain landscape and spend time outdoors in the cool weather.

The road towards Rohtang and Sissu remained busy as tourist vehicles continued to move through the area. Those crossing the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul were also seen enjoying the scenery and local tourism activities in Sissu.

Long weekend brings traffic trouble

The heavy tourist inflow has, however, created major traffic problems in and around Manali. Videos showing long queues of vehicles have been circulating on social media. Traffic moved slowly on several stretches, including the Manali entry route, Mall Road, the road towards Solang Valley and the route leading to the Atal Tunnel.

In some places, tourists reportedly took hours to cover distances that would normally take much less time.

Hotels nearly full, tourism businesses cheer

The long weekend has provided a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry. Many hotels and homestays are operating at high occupancy, while taxi operators, restaurants and shopkeepers are also benefiting from the increased footfall.

With tourists continuing to arrive from different parts of the country, the rush is expected to remain high.

Authorities have appealed to tourists and local drivers to follow traffic rules and avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours to help manage congestion.

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At least two places in the state have recorded temperatures below 5°C, while the mercury has dropped below 10°C in five locations.

The state's average minimum temperature is now around 1.6°C below normal, indicating an early chill in several areas.

Keylong sees sharpest temperature fall

Keylong recorded one of the biggest drops in minimum temperature. The mercury there fell by 3.9°C, settling at around 4.1°C.

Chamba also recorded a significant departure from normal temperatures, with its minimum temperature around 4°C below normal.

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Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has weakened across the state. Most parts of Himachal saw some sunshine on Saturday morning, although isolated light drizzle remains possible in a few mid-altitude areas.

Weather conditions are expected to improve further over the coming days.

Sunny weather likely from September 20

According to the weather department, Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience mainly clear weather from September 20 to 25. No major rainfall activity is expected during this period.

The change in weather also comes as the southwest monsoon approaches its withdrawal phase.

Meteorological Centre Shimla director Shobhit Katiyar said more clarity on the timing of the monsoon's withdrawal is expected by Tuesday.

Himachal records 10% less rain than normal

Despite heavy rain in several parts of the state during the season, Himachal Pradesh has received about 10% less rainfall than normal so far this monsoon.

Five districts have recorded rainfall above their respective normal levels, while several others remain below normal.

Bilaspur has received 11% more rainfall than normal, followed by Shimla at 16%, Sirmaur at 7%, Kinnaur at 3% and Kullu at 9% above normal.

Among the districts recording lower-than-normal rainfall, Chamba is down by 5%, Hamirpur by 31%, Kangra by 4%, Lahaul-Spiti by 63%, Mandi by 14% and Solan by 12%.

Una, meanwhile, has recorded around 4% more rainfall than normal.

With the monsoon weakening and clearer skies expected over the next few days, Himachal Pradesh is now moving towards cooler nights and the gradual end of the rainy season.

The Deod (T4-01) and Hanogi (T4-02) tunnels on the Pandoh-Takoli stretch between Mandi and Kullu have been opened for regular traffic. The development is expected to provide major relief to tourists travelling towards Manali, particularly during the busy winter tourism season.

Mandi-Kullu journey time reduced

The opening of the two tunnels has significantly shortened the travel time between Mandi and Kullu.

A journey that earlier took around two hours can now be completed in nearly one hour, according to the information shared by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened the tunnels ahead of the winter tourist rush and the Kullu Dussehra celebrations.

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Relief From traffic jams and landslide-prone stretches

The new infrastructure is expected to address one of the biggest problems faced by motorists on this route — long traffic jams and frequent disruptions caused by landslides.

The Deod tunnel is around 2.8 km long, while the Hanogi tunnel stretches for about 650 metre. The two tunnels are connected through a 140-metre-long and 45-metre-high bridge near Khotinalla.

With the new route operational, the affected road section has been reduced from around 6 km to 3.5 km.

Tourists and local commuters are expected to benefit from smoother vehicular movement near areas such as Jogni Mata Temple, Deod and Hanogi, which have often witnessed long queues of vehicles.

Dangerous mountain stretch bypassed

The tunnels will allow vehicles to bypass nearly 5.5 km of a difficult mountain stretch. During the monsoon, falling rocks, loose debris and landslides have frequently created risks for motorists on this section. The new alignment will reduce the need to travel through narrow and winding portions of the old road.

It is also expected to ease pressure on the main highway and improve the movement of both private vehicles and commercial traffic.

Better connectivity to Himachal tourist destinations

The improvement is likely to benefit more than just travellers heading to Manali. The route is also important for people travelling towards popular destinations such as Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass, Manikaran, Shinkula Pass, Keylong and Leh-Ladakh.

For tourists travelling from Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi and other parts of the country, the improved road connectivity could make journeys towards the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh more convenient.

Modern safety features inside tunnels

The newly opened tunnels have been equipped with several safety and monitoring systems.

These include CCTV cameras, ventilation facilities and emergency exits, designed to improve safety and help authorities respond quickly in case of an incident.

The vehicle was buried under the debris following the incident. Another vehicle parked at the new bus stand in Ani was also damaged after a landslide occurred in the area.

Rocks fall on moving vehicle in Kullu

The incident took place on NH-305 in Kullu amid heavy rainfall. Debris and rocks suddenly came down from the hillside and fell onto a moving vehicle. Two persons travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries. The vehicle was also trapped under the debris.

In another incident in Ani, a parked vehicle at the new bus stand was damaged after debris from a landslide fell on it.

Shimla also witnessed a landslide late Monday evening. Rocks fell from a hillside, damaging three motorcycles parked along the roadside. The incidents have raised concerns over the risk of landslides in the state's hilly areas as heavy rain continues.

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The rain has also disrupted power and water infrastructure, with 161 transformers and 54 drinking water schemes affected across the state.

In view of the heavy rainfall and the orange alert issued by the weather department, the Kullu administration has taken precautionary measures. The SDM of Kullu has announced a holiday for all educational institutions in the subdivision on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Shimla and Solan.

The IMD has said that monsoon activity is likely to remain active across Himachal Pradesh for the next week. This means the state is unlikely to get a complete break from rainfall in the coming days.

The Western Disturbance is expected to weaken slightly from Wednesday compared with Tuesday. However, some areas may still receive intense spells of rain. A yellow alert has been issued for some districts for the next four days.

The weather department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents and tourists have been asked to stay away from rivers, streams, khads and other areas where water levels can rise quickly. People have also been warned against attempting to cross roads or water channels with strong currents.

The administration has urged people living in or travelling through hilly areas to remain cautious, particularly at locations vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks.

Officials have advised residents to follow weather warnings and advisories issued by the local administration and the IMD.

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.

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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.

Tourist car trapped under landslide debris

A major landslide occurred near Gurahala on the Barot-Ghatasani road when a large amount of debris and rocks suddenly rolled down from a hillside onto the road. A car carrying tourists from Shimla was caught beneath the debris.

Fortunately, both tourists, including the driver, managed to get out of the vehicle in time, avoiding what could have been a serious accident. The incident completely blocked the route, leading to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road.

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Soon after receiving information about the incident, teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) reached the spot with heavy machinery. After several hours of debris removal and restoration work, the road was reopened for traffic by the afternoon. However, the administration has warned that the hillside near Gurahala remains unstable and continues to show signs of movement. People have been advised to avoid travelling on this stretch, especially during the night and to follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.

Mandi-Pathankot NH affected

Heavy rain also triggered landslides near Talgahar and Kunnu Bridge, close to Urla on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway. At around 5 am, a large amount of debris and slush covered the highway near Talgahar, leaving a car stuck in the muddy stretch. Rescue and clearance operations continued for nearly three hours. Traffic was initially restored through a single lane before the highway was fully reopened later.

Several link roads temporarily closed

Persistent rainfall also led to the temporary closure of several link roads across the area, affecting local residents and travellers. Many commuters faced delays as road clearance work continued throughout the day.

Public advisory issued

The district administration has urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions. People have also been advised to remain alert while passing through landslide-prone areas and to follow official weather updates before planning their journey.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, light to moderate rain is expected at many places, while isolated areas could witness heavy rainfall. Districts, including Kangra, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur are likely to receive intense showers during this period.

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Thunderstorms and strong winds also likely

The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph in the lower and mid-hill regions between August 7 and August 9.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious as changing weather conditions could affect normal life.

Risk of landslides and flash floods

The IMD has cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may trigger landslides, mudslides and flash floods, especially in vulnerable areas. The department also warned that rising water levels in rivers, streams and other water bodies could increase the risk of flooding. Waterlogging in low-lying areas and slippery roads may also lead to traffic disruptions and accidents.

People have been advised to avoid landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams and follow traffic advisories while travelling.

Temperature to fluctuate in coming days

The weather department said there is unlikely to be any major change in minimum temperatures over the next three to four days. However, maximum temperatures may fall by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours due to rainfall before rising by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the following two to three days.

Pleasant weather continues in Shimla

Intermittent rain has kept the weather pleasant in Shimla, with tourists and local residents enjoying the cool conditions. Despite the ongoing monsoon, tourist movement remains steady, with visitors continuing to explore the city's popular attractions.

Kangra among most rain-sensitive districts

Meteorological Centre Shimla Director Shobhit Katiyar said Kangra is expected to remain one of the most rain-sensitive districts in the coming days.

He said isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Kangra on August 7, moderate to heavy rain is expected on August 8, and another spell of heavy rain is forecast for August 9 and 10.

He added that rainfall activity is also expected to increase in the higher reaches of the state, prompting the IMD to issue an orange alert.

Flash flood risk in four districts

According to the Meteorological Centre, there is a low to moderate risk of flash floods in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur, along with nearby areas, during the next 24 hours. The warning comes amid forecasts of continued rainfall that could lead to a sudden rise in water levels in vulnerable locations.

Authorities have advised people to stay away from rivers, streams, drains and other flood-prone areas. Residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable locations until weather conditions improve.

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Yellow alert issued for several areas

The weather department has also issued a yellow alert for Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur and Mandi districts for the day. These areas are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated places. Light rain is likely to continue across the remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh. Despite the wet weather, both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to stay close to normal.

Temperatures across Himachal Pradesh

The latest weather observations showed the following temperatures across the state:

Shimla: 16.8°C

Dharamsala: 21.7°C

Manali: 19.5°C

Solan: 21.4°C

Mandi: 24.4°C

Bilaspur: 25.5°C

Hamirpur: 25.4°C

Kangra: 23.8°C

Dalhousie: 17.9°C

Kufri: 14.4°C

Kasauli: 19°C

Una: 22.3°C

Nahan: 21.3°C

Paonta Sahib: 26°C

Bharmour in Chamba district recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 13°C.

Residents advised to stay alert

With the possibility of flash floods over the next 24 hours, the weather department has appealed to residents to closely monitor weather updates and exercise caution, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. People are advised not to venture near water bodies or other risky locations until the weather situation stabilises.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana over the next three days and has issued an Orange Alert for the region.

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Rain changes weather in Chandigarh

Strong winds began blowing early in the morning before rain started around 9 am in Chandigarh. The showers brought a noticeable drop in temperature, making outdoor conditions much more pleasant.

The city had been experiencing hot and humid weather for several days. Even the brief rainfall recorded a day earlier had failed to provide lasting relief, but Monday's showers significantly improved the weather.

Orange alert for Punjab and Haryana

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely to continue across parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh until July 22.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of heavy rain, especially in low-lying areas that may experience waterlogging.

Himachal Pradesh under red alert

While Chandigarh witnessed pleasant weather, the situation in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh remains serious. The IMD has issued a red alert for the next 48 hours, warning of very heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides in several districts.

The state administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas and follow all weather advisories.

Residents living close to rivers and seasonal streams have also been advised to move to safer locations if required.

Districts under red and orange alerts

For July 20, a red alert has been issued for:

Chamba

Kangra

Mandi

Sirmaur

An orange alert is in place for:

Hamirpur

Una

Shimla

Solan

Kullu

The remaining districts are under a yellow alert.

On July 21, the red alert will continue for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, while Una, Hamirpur and Shimla will remain under an orange alert.

By July 22, weather conditions are expected to improve slightly. However, Chamba and Mandi will continue under an orange alert, while Kangra, Kullu and Shimla will remain under a Yellow Alert.

Schools closed in four districts

As a precaution, district administrations have declared a holiday in all government and private educational institutions in Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur on Monday. Students, parents and school staff have been advised to follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary movement.

The girl, a resident of Bijnor district, had travelled to Manali with her parents when she was reportedly swept away by the strong current near the Club House area.

Soon after the incident, the local police and the fire department launched a joint search and rescue operation. Rescue teams searched the stream and nearby areas before eventually locating the girl's body in the Beas River near the Volvo Bus Stand in Manali. The body has been taken into police custody for further legal formalities.

The incident has left the family devastated. Authorities have once again urged tourists to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies during the monsoon season, warning that rising water levels and strong currents can be extremely dangerous.

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The Chamba road accident happened when the Alto car, which was travelling from Luna towards Ruhankothi via Samra, reportedly lost control and fell off the road into a deep gorge before landing in a stream. A total of five persons were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The Chamba road accident triggered a rescue operation after locals rushed to the spot upon hearing the crash. The injured were pulled out and rushed to the Medical College Chamba while three passengers died on the spot due to severe injuries.

Local residents were the first to reach the accident site and began rescue efforts before authorities arrived. Police teams later reached the spot, took stock of the situation and started an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani confirmed the accident and said that a detailed probe is underway to determine the exact reason behind the vehicle losing control.

Preliminary information suggests that the vehicle may have skidded off the narrow hill road before falling into the gorge. Further investigation will determine whether road conditions or driver error contributed to the accident.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution while travelling on hilly routes, especially during the monsoon season when roads become more dangerous.

According to Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma, the cloudburst occurred after heavy rainfall around 4 am in Nichar area. The sudden surge of water caused a flash flood in the Kachrang nullah, washing away a village access path. However, no loss of life or property was reported.

Meanwhile, weather conditions changed rapidly in Shimla, where clear skies and sunshine during the morning gave way to rainfall before noon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain in Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti until the afternoon, while districts, including Kangra, Solan, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur may experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

The IMD has indicated that light rainfall is likely to continue across the state until June 28. Moderate rainfall is also expected in some mid-hill regions on June 25 and June 28.

The southwest monsoon, which usually reaches Himachal Pradesh around June 22, has yet to arrive this year. Weather officials believe its arrival may be delayed further, with no strong signs of advancement over the next week.

Rainfall across the state remains below normal. Between June 1 and June 23, Himachal Pradesh received 49.9 mm of rain against the seasonal average of 66.7 mm, a deficit of nearly 25 percent. Except for Solan district, most parts of the state have recorded below-normal rainfall.

At the same time, temperatures have risen sharply in several areas. Keylong recorded the highest jump, with the maximum temperature increasing by 10.8 degrees Celsius to reach 22°C. The state's average maximum temperature has risen by around four degrees Celsius compared to the previous day.

According to officials, the strongest earthquake struck at 10:04 pm on June 5. The epicentre was located in the Dhauladhar mountain range between Dhar Gharoi and RF Kugti along the Kangra-Chamba border, approximately 40 km from Dharamshala.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 22.5 km and was felt across several areas of Kangra, Chamba and adjoining districts. Residents reported strong shaking, prompting many to step out of their homes as a precautionary measure.

The seismic activity began earlier in the day when a mild earthquake measuring 2.3 on the Richter scale was recorded near Minkiani Pass in the Dhauladhar range at 8:52 am. The epicentre was located around 16 km from Dharamshala. Due to its low intensity, the tremor was barely felt by residents.

Following the magnitude 5.0 earthquake, two additional tremors were recorded later in the night. A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 11:03 pm approximately 18 km  from Dharamshala, while another tremor measuring 3.0 occurred at 11:52 pm near RF Heelang, about 23 km from the town.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, although no reports of injuries or significant structural damage have emerged.

Kangra district, home to Dharamshala, falls under Seismic Zone-V, the highest earthquake-risk category in India. The region is considered highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location in the Himalayan belt. While earthquakes of magnitude 3 to 4 are generally classified as minor and rarely cause substantial damage, they are often strong enough to be felt by residents.

Officials have advised people to remain alert and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

The changing weather affected power supply in some regions. In Sujanpur’s Chamiyana area, a high-tension electricity line was damaged due to strong winds. Kangra district also experienced a power outage for nearly two hours on Saturday morning following the storm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pandoh recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 37.4 mm. Other areas that received significant rainfall include Naina Devi with 34.6 mm, Guler 25.8 mm, Kangra 20.5 mm, Sundernagar 20.3 mm and Gohar 20 mm.

Rainfall was also recorded in Murari Devi, Una, Jot, Sarahan, Dehra Gopipur, Kotkhai and Shimla.

The showers have led to a sharp fall in temperatures across the state. Shimla’s minimum temperature, which was recorded at 20 degrees Celsius on May 28, dropped to 11.5 degrees Celsius on Friday. Similarly, Kangra’s minimum temperature came down from 21.5 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius.

A noticeable decline in maximum temperatures has also been recorded. Kufri witnessed the steepest drop of 6.3 degrees Celsius, bringing the daytime temperature down to 17.8 degrees Celsius. Dharamshala, Shimla, Manali and Kangra also saw temperatures fall by around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and strong winds in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. Wind speeds of up to 50 kmph are expected in some areas.

The weather department has predicted that the unsettled weather conditions are likely to continue on May 31 as well, with chances of light rainfall in several parts of the state. While the western disturbance may weaken from June 1, light rain is still expected in mid and higher hill regions till June 2.

Light drizzle is also likely in the higher reaches on June 3 and 4, which is expected to keep temperatures pleasant and provide relief from the heat over the next few days.

Following the latest spell of snowfall, authorities have restricted vehicular movement towards the Atal Tunnel, allowing only four-by-four vehicles to ply as a precautionary measure.

According to rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours, Manali received the highest precipitation at 53 mm, followed by Tissa in Chamba with 33 mm. Other areas, including Sarahan, Seobagh, Bhuntar, Shimla, Bharmour, Dharamshala, Bhatiyat, Sangla and Jogindernagar, also recorded moderate to heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 48 hours in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi and Shimla. The department has also warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds gusting up to 40–50 kmph during this period.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious, while tourists have been urged to avoid travel to higher altitude regions amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Except for Kinnaur, which remains outside the warning zone, all other districts are under a yellow alert. The weather office has predicted one or two intense spells of snowfall in higher reaches over the next two days.

The sudden shift in weather has brought back January-like cold conditions across the state. The average maximum temperature has dropped by around 5°C below normal, with some areas witnessing a decline of up to 11°C.

Chamba recorded the steepest fall, with its maximum temperature dropping by 11.1°C to settle at 16.8°C. In Mandi, the temperature fell by 7.8°C to 20.8°C, while Solan recorded 18°C after a drop of 7.4°C. Una saw a decrease of 6.4°C, bringing the maximum down to 23.4°C, while Manali recorded 14°C, down by 3.9°C from normal levels.

The IMD has forecast a further drop in temperatures over the next three days. However, from March 21 onwards, the western disturbance influencing the region is expected to weaken, leading to clearer weather conditions. Light snowfall may continue in isolated higher-altitude areas, while the rest of the state is likely to witness improved weather over the following days.

In a surprising development for early March, the maximum temperature has crossed the 30°C mark in a few areas of the state. Weather experts warn that if the current dry conditions persist for a few more days, several hill towns could record their highest-ever March temperatures.

Some prominent locations,  including Shimla, Kangra, Sundernagar, Kalpa and Bhuntar, are currently hovering just 1–2°C below their all-time March records.

Kalpa, located in Kinnaur district, recorded a maximum temperature of 24°C, which is 14.8°C higher than the normal level for this time of year. The town’s previous highest temperature for March was 24.4°C, recorded in 2010, indicating that the current heat is approaching record levels.

Similarly, Shimla registered a daytime temperature of 25.2°C, moving closer to its March record of 27.2°C set in 2004. Notably, the hill station had not crossed 20°C during the first week of March in the past five years, making this year’s spike particularly unusual.

The lower hill regions, including Sundernagar and Kangra, are also reporting temperatures 8–9°C above normal. However, the most significant departures from the seasonal average are being seen in the mid and higher hill areas.

Officials from the meteorological department say the sudden rise is largely due to prevailing atmospheric conditions. According to a weather department official, temperatures have been consistently high across the mid and upper hill regions in recent days, and similar conditions are expected to continue for another 48 hours.

The official explained that the current wind pattern over the region is preventing moisture-laden winds from reaching the hills, allowing temperatures to rise more quickly than usual.

Night temperatures have also increased significantly. In Shimla, the minimum temperature was recorded at 15.4°C, which is 9.3°C above the normal level for this period.

The combination of unusually high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions is becoming a cause of concern for farmers, particularly apple growers in lower altitude areas, as such weather can disrupt flowering and affect crop health.

Weather authorities have, however, indicated some relief ahead. Rainfall is likely in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh from March 7, and if the forecast materialises, it could bring a slight drop in temperatures across the state.

The snowfall has crippled infrastructure across the state. As many as 885 roads, including four national highways, remain closed, while over 3,000 power transformers are non-functional. Water supply has also been badly hit due to frozen pipelines, leaving thousands of households without drinking water.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand witnessed a brief respite on Thursday as sunshine returned after two days of continuous snowfall. However, major pilgrimage routes remain buried under thick layers of snow. Roads in Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri are still covered with 3 to 4 feet of snow. Auli in Chamoli district received nearly 2 feet of snowfall on Wednesday. Authorities have issued an avalanche warning across vulnerable areas of the state.

The impact of snowfall in the mountains is being felt strongly in the plains as well. Several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have reported a sharp drop in temperatures, accompanied by fog and rainfall. Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh received rain on Thursday morning, while cities such as Ayodhya and Lucknow were among nine districts that witnessed rainfall on Wednesday.

In Bihar, light to moderate rain is likely in five districts tonight, followed by a further dip in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave. Bhagalpur recorded the lowest temperature in the state on Wednesday at 7.4°C. Weather agencies have also issued thunderstorm and rainfall alerts for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh starting January 31.

In Uttar Pradesh, rain affected daily life in several districts. Schools up to Class 8 were closed in Sambhal, while classes up to Class 12 were suspended in Siddharthnagar as a precautionary measure. The Meteorological Department has issued hailstorm and rainfall alerts in 29 districts of the state.

Punjab and Haryana are also experiencing biting cold. Amritsar emerged as the coldest place in Punjab with a minimum temperature of 3.7°C, while Bhiwani in Haryana recorded 5.5°C. Dense fog reduced visibility in Chandigarh during the morning hours, adding to travel disruptions.

Authorities across states have urged people to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in snowbound areas, and follow weather advisories closely as harsh winter conditions continue to prevail.