SHIMLA: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its weather warning for Himachal Pradesh, downgrading the previously anticipated ‘red alert’ to an ‘orange alert’ effective from July 19 to 22.
Earlier today, the Meteorological Centre Shimla had issued a red alert for July 20 and 21 in its 10:22 AM bulletin. Shobhit Katiyar, Director of the Meteorological Centre Shimla, stated that while an internal review initially prompted the red alert decision, it was later modified to an orange alert following detailed consultations with the IMD.
While a red alert denotes ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ capable of causing large-scale destruction, the weather office warned that the orange alert still carries a strong possibility of heavy downpours and flash floods in several areas.
In light of the forecast, the weather department has issued an advisory urging locals and tourists to exercise caution between July 19 and 22. People have been advised to postpone travel to high-altitude regions, stay away from landslide-prone areas, and avoid venturing near rivers and streams. Low-lying areas face a distinct threat of flash flood-like situations.
Before the heavy spell begins, the state is expected to witness clear weather today and tomorrow. Clear skies were witnessed across most parts of the state, including Shimla, this morning. A shift in the weather pattern is expected from July 18, with a yellow alert issued for light to moderate rainfall in isolated places, followed by heavy rains starting July 19.
Meanwhile, dry weather over the past four days has pushed temperatures up by up to four degrees Celsius across several cities. Humid conditions in the plains have kept people indoors, with maximum temperatures crossing the 30-degree Celsius mark in 12 cities. Una recorded the highest temperature in the state at 37 degrees Celsius.
The monsoon, which remained weak over the hills for the past week, is expected to regain momentum soon. Himachal Pradesh recorded 2% less rainfall than normal over the last week, accompanied by bright sunshine over the past four days.
