Monsoon Intensifies in Himachal: Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued Across State Until July 10

Shimla : Despite a sluggish start and a five-day delay in its annual arrival, the monsoon is ready to gather momentum in Himachal Pradesh. While the state has recorded below-average rainfall so far this season, the Meteorological Department has warned of a significant wet spell ahead. Continuous rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are predicted to disrupt normal life across the hill state until July 10.

Orange Alert for Heavy to Very Heavy Rain
The Meteorological Centre Shimla has put multiple districts on high alert. The upcoming days are expected to bring localized severe weather, with the intensity peaking during the early part of the week.

• July 6 and 7 (Orange Alert): Most parts of the state will witness light to moderate rain or snowfall in higher altitudes. However, isolated pockets are under an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
• July 8 (Yellow Alert): The weather system will slightly weaken but will continue to dump heavy downpours in isolated areas, keeping the state under a Yellow Alert.
• July 5, 9, and 10 (Yellow Alert): Scattered light to moderate precipitation is expected, with chances of sudden heavy spells on July 5 and 9.

High-Velocity Winds and Thunderstorms
Along with the downpours, regional weather stability will face threats from severe thunderstorms. The tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are on alert for high-velocity winds sweeping through the valleys at speeds of 30 to 40 km/h until July 10. The rest of the state is likely to experience frequent lightning strikes and gusty conditions.

Temperature Tracker: Una Scorches while Kukumseri Chills
Even with the cloud cover, regional temperatures continue to show sharp geographical contrasts across the state's diverse terrain.

Maximum Temperature Highlights
Hottest District: Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 35.4°C.

Other Major Towns: Bilaspur and Mandi touched 30.0°C, while the capital city of Shimla maintained a pleasant day temperature of 22.5°C. Lower hills like Kangra and Dharamshala hovered around 28.6°C and 28.0°C respectively.

Minimum Temperature Highlights
Coldest Region: Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti registered the lowest minimum temperature at a chilly 11.2°C, followed closely by Keylong at 12.2°C.

Nighttime Averages: Night temperatures remained relatively warm in the plains, with Paonta Sahib and Dehra Gopipur recording 27.0°C, while Shimla rested at 18.4°C.

Safety Advisory : With the Orange Alert active for the next 48 hours, the local administration advises tourists and residents to stay away from riverbanks, avoid traveling through landslide-prone hilly corridors, and keep a close eye on official weather updates before planning any commute.