Shimla, July 12: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, prompting authorities to advise farmers and tourists to remain vigilant amid the ongoing monsoon season.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts are likely to receive isolated spells of moderate to heavy rain on July 12, while light to moderate rainfall is expected across many parts of the state over the next several days.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places across the state. Strong winds of the same speed are expected in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts.
The weather office has warned that heavy rain could trigger localized landslides, mudslides, waterlogging, slippery roads, traffic congestion and disruption of essential services, especially in vulnerable areas.
Travellers have been advised to follow traffic advisories and avoid visiting landslide-prone locations, while people should stay away from swollen streams and rivulets during intense rainfall.
The advisory is particularly significant for tourists visiting hill destinations such as Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Kullu, where intermittent rain may affect travel plans and road conditions.
Farmers have also been urged to exercise caution. The IMD has advised orchardists and cultivators to monitor weather updates before undertaking spraying, harvesting or other field operations, as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could damage standing crops, horticultural produce and delay agricultural activities.
During the past 24 hours, light to moderate rain was recorded at a few places in the state, with Jogindernagar receiving 6 cm, Manali 5 cm, Sarahan 4 cm, Rohru 3 cm, and Shimla 2 cm of rainfall.
The highest maximum temperature was recorded at Sundernagar (33°C), while Kukumseri remained the coldest at 10.1°C.
The IMD has advised residents, visitors and farmers to keep track of official weather updates and take necessary precautions until weather conditions improve.
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