Monsoon Advances, Pre-Monsoon Alert Sounded for Himachal; Farmers, Tourists Asked to Stay Prepared
New Delhi/Shimla, June 8: As the southwest monsoon continues its rapid advance across the country, weather experts have sounded a pre-monsoon alert for Himachal Pradesh, urging farmers, orchardists, tourists and disaster management agencies to remain vigilant amid the likelihood of thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds and localized heavy rainfall later this week.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon on Monday advanced further into parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Conditions are favourable for its further progress over the remaining parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and several central and eastern states during the next two to three days.
The IMD has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal during the next seven days. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Kerala and Karnataka on June 8 and 9.
For the western Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh, a fresh western disturbance is expected to become active around June 11 and 12. Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph is likely across several districts.
Weather officials have cautioned that districts such as Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmaur, Solan and parts of Bilaspur and Hamirpur could witness thunderstorm activity and sudden weather changes. Mid and higher hill areas, particularly horticulture belts, may face localized hail damage.
The advisory comes at a time when thousands of tourists are visiting hill destinations including Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kinnaur and Spiti. Visitors have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and avoid trekking, camping near rivers and streams, or travelling through landslide-prone stretches during periods of adverse weather.
Apple growers and farmers have also been urged to take precautionary measures.
Orchardists should secure anti-hail nets, support structures, polyhouses and harvested produce, while ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion.
Strong winds and hailstorms during the pre-monsoon season can cause significant damage to fruit crops and standing agricultural produce.
The IMD noted that during the past 24 hours, several parts of the country experienced intense weather activity, with very heavy rainfall reported from Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya, while thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching up to 120 kmph were reported from parts of eastern and northern India.
In view of the forecast, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administrations, police, fire services, public works departments and health authorities have been urged to keep emergency response mechanisms fully activated.
Quick response teams, rescue equipment, communication systems and emergency shelters should remain ready to deal with any eventuality, particularly in districts vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, road blockages and falling trees.
With extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent and intense in the Himalayan region, experts say preparedness, early warning dissemination and community awareness remain the best defence against weather-related disasters.
The message is clear: stay informed, stay prepared and avoid unnecessary risks as Himachal heads into another unpredictable monsoon season.
#Monsoon2026 #HimachalPradesh #WeatherAlert #HPSDMA #SDRF #AppleGrowers #TouristSafety #DisasterPreparedness
