Himachal Pradesh enjoyed four straight days of clear skies and strong sunshine that pushed up daytime heat, but the weather flipped overnight, with clouds rolling in over the region on Friday morning. The meteorological department has now issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain across five districts of the state between July 19 and July 22, warning of landslides, flash floods and waterlogging during this period.
Why five districts are under an orange alert
According to the Meteorological Centre Shimla, a fresh western disturbance set to affect north-west India from July 19 is behind the alert. Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts have all been placed under orange alert, with the department's 10 am bulletin on Friday noting that different pockets within these five districts could see intense rain activity, making caution necessary for both local authorities and residents.
How much rain fell overnight
Rain had already begun in parts of the state before the bulletin was issued. Nagrota Surian in Kangra district recorded the highest rainfall at 28.8 mm, while Kangra itself received 10.2 mm. Murari Devi in Mandi district logged 4.0 mm, and Guler recorded 2.8 mm. Notably, the weather department has not issued any separate rain alert for Friday itself.
The alert timeline for the coming days
Per the department, July 18 will see a yellow alert, followed by four straight days of orange alert from July 19 to July 22. The department expects this spell of rain to continue in Himachal Pradesh through July 22, meaning residents will need to keep tracking weather updates over the coming days.
Officials urge caution near sensitive zones
The weather department has asked people to strictly follow weather warnings and traffic advisories, and to avoid venturing near sensitive areas and water bodies. It has flagged the risk of landslides, soil erosion and flash floods in vulnerable zones, adding that water levels and flow in rivers and other water sources could rise, which may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Mostly dry past 24 hours, Sarahan records the day's highest rainfall
In the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning, the state largely stayed dry. Sarahan in Shimla district recorded the highest rainfall during that window at 7.5 millimetres. On the temperature front, Kukumseri logged the state's lowest temperature at 9.8 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest place in the state during the day, with the maximum temperature touching 38 degrees Celsius.
What an orange alert actually means
In the India Meteorological Department's classification, an orange alert means people should be prepared for very bad weather that could disrupt everyday life. It sits a notch above a routine warning, requiring both administration and residents to take precautionary steps.
51 roads already shut due to landslides and rain
A report issued by the disaster management department on Thursday evening said that landslides and rain have already left 51 roads closed across the state. With the orange alert period still ahead, the situation could worsen further, meaning anyone planning travel through the affected districts should factor in extra caution.
