Himachal Pradesh is witnessing an aggressive spell of weather as the monsoon season nears its conclusion. Severe rainfall has lashed various parts of the state since Thursday morning, operating under an orange alert. While districts like Mandi and Bilaspur have recorded significant downpours, the higher altitudes of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti have received snowfall, bringing a sudden chill to the region.
Orange Alert and Meteorological Warnings
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla issued an urgent alert at nine in the morning, forecasting light to moderate rainfall across most places in Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts within three hours. The department also warned of isolated heavy spells and thunderstorms in the region, prompting local authorities to advise residents and travelers to exercise caution.
Recorded Rainfall Across Districts
According to the morning bulletin issued by the weather department, significant rainfall was recorded across Bilaspur and Mandi districts over the preceding 12 hours. Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded the highest rainfall at 86.8 millimeters. Other notable figures included Murari Devi in Mandi at 50.6 mm, Slapper at 48.1 mm, and Malraon in Bilaspur at 48.0 mm. Ghaghas received 40.2 mm, Barthin 38.6 mm, Sundernagar 37.1 mm, Gohar 35.0 mm, and Jogindernagar 33.0 mm. In Sirmaur, Nahan recorded 34.2 mm and Paonta Sahib 31.0 mm, while Nangal Dam in Una district registered 32.0 mm of rainfall.
Naresh Thakur, a resident of Mandap sub-tehsils in the Dharampur assembly constituency of Mandi district, reported that relentless rain and strong winds began around 5:30 am. The continuous downpour has caused rivers and streams to swell, while strong winds have severely damaged maize crops in the fields. Thakur noted that the sharp drop in temperature compelled him to wear a jacket.
First Snowfall of the Season in Lahaul Valley
High-altitude regions, including the peaks of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti, experienced snowfall on Thursday. Fresh snow was reported near Baralacha in the Lahaul Valley, marking the first snowfall of the season. Writing in her blog, a local resident named Mne-pa noted that thousands of domestic and international tourists had gathered in the valley to participate in the Drilburi Kora circumambulation. She described how the unseasonal weather has brought January-like cold conditions to September.
Sair Festival and Seasonal Transition
The severe weather coincides with the celebration of the traditional Sair festival in Mandi, Kullu, and surrounding districts. The festival marks the end of the monsoon season and signifies the onset of winter in Himachal Pradesh, alongside the formal commencement of crop harvesting. The festive morning was accompanied by overcast skies and a noticeable drop in temperature.
Advisories and Potential Hazards
The weather department has cautioned that ongoing rains could trigger flash floods, waterlogging on roads, and reduced visibility in certain areas. Landslides are also anticipated in vulnerable pockets of the lower and middle hills. Authorities have strongly advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather spells.
