The arrival of the monsoon has triggered a dramatic shift in weather conditions across Haryana. Following the onset of heavy rains on July 10, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued specialized alerts for 13 districts. An orange alert, signaling the potential for intense rainfall, is in effect for cities including Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Data from the past 24 hours shows record rainfall, with Gurugram receiving 83.0 MM and Karnal seeing 79.5 MM. The water level in the Ghaggar river, which flows through the Sirsa district, continues to rise, causing concern. Meanwhile, districts such as Jhajjar, Rewari, Narnaul, Palwal, Nuh, Yamunanagar, Ambala, and Panchkula remain under a yellow alert. Conversely, Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, and Kurukshetra are currently in the green zone, indicating stable weather conditions with no major storm threats.
Conditions in Chandigarh
Chandigarh is now under the full influence of the southwest monsoon. Intermittent rain is expected to continue until Monday, with certain areas potentially experiencing heavier downpours. Although the intensity may decrease starting Tuesday, the monsoon remains active. The persistent rain has significantly reduced temperatures; the city recorded a maximum temperature of 28.9°C, which is 3.1 degrees lower than the previous day and 5.5 degrees below the seasonal average.
IMD Advisories and Public Safety
The IMD has transitioned its heavy rainfall orange alert for Thursday into a yellow alert from Friday (July 10) through Monday. Residents are warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and high-velocity winds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h. Authorities have issued strong advisories regarding risks such as landslides, mudslides, and sudden surges in water levels in rivers and canals. Traveling may become hazardous due to low visibility and road closures, and agricultural crops are at risk. Citizens are urged to avoid water bodies and non-essential travel while keeping close watch on updates from district administrations.
Heavy Rainfall Outlook for Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is also seeing the monsoon gain momentum. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, heavy rain is expected across various regions of the state until July 15. Thursday saw rainfall in several areas, including the capital city, Shimla. Concerns arose in the Kinnaur district after a flash flood occurred in the Pejar stream. The weather bureau has specifically warned of potential landslides and debris fall between July 10 and July 15. Lower regions of the state may face waterlogging, slippery roads, and traffic congestion, which could disrupt essential services and daily life.
Impact in Sirmaur and Emergency Preparations
Shobhit Katiyar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, confirmed that heavy rainfall is likely over the next 3 to 4 days in Sirmaur, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, and Kinnaur. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to face strong winds of 30 to 40 km/h through July 15. The situation in Sirmaur district is particularly challenging; DC Priyanka Verma reported that 34 roads are closed, with the Shillai division bearing the brunt as 21 roads are currently blocked. The rainfall has crippled power supplies, with 63 transformers down and four water supply schemes in Nahan disrupted. The Public Works Department (PWD) estimates a loss of approximately 87 lakh rupees. The administration in Nurpur, led by SDM Arun Sharma, is also on high alert, taking proactive measures to manage potential landslide risks.
