SHIMLA: Tourists planning to visit Himachal Pradesh over the next week are advised to closely monitor weather updates. The southwest monsoon is expected to regain strength in the hill state from Saturday, following a relatively subdued spell over the past week.
Himachal Pradesh received 17 per cent below-normal rainfall over the last week. The state recorded 49.5 mm of rain against the normal precipitation of 59.7 mm during this period.
However, the Meteorological Department has now forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at various places across the state from July 18 to 23. The most intense spell of rain is likely to hit between July 20 and 22.
A yellow alert has been issued for July 18, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, Kullu, and Sirmaur districts. The weather activity is expected to intensify from July 19 onwards, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall to Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla districts.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory asking the general public and tourists to stay away from the banks of the Parbati river. This comes after additional water was released into the river from the Pulga Dam of the Parbati-2 Power Station on Friday.
Officials stated that 85 cumecs of water was released on Friday afternoon, and more water could be released if the situation requires.
Hotel owners, guest house managements, homestay and camp operators, and taxi drivers have also been directed to strictly advise tourists to maintain a safe distance from the banks of the Parbati river.
It is noteworthy that Monsoon activity is set to intensify across Himachal Pradesh once again, with the meteorological department forecasting a significant shift in weather conditions starting Saturday. A yellow alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Kangra and Mandi districts on Saturday, while other parts of the state are also expected to witness light to moderate showers.
The weather office has warned that the intensity of precipitation will increase further between July 19 and July 22. During this four-day period, isolated places in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, and other districts in the mid and lower hills are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, high-altitude tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to be hit by strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Several parts of the state already recorded light to moderate rainfall on Thursday night. Nagrota Surian registered the highest rainfall in the state at 28.8 mm. In view of the heavy rain forecast, the local administration has issued a special safety advisory for residents in Kinnaur and the Satluj Valley.
Due to rising water flow in the Sutlej River, officials have warned that excess water could be released from the Karcham Dam at any time. People have been strictly advised against venturing to the riverbanks for activities such as fishing, photography, or recreation.
