The IMD cautioned that heavy rainfall on September 13 and 14 could trigger landslides and mudslides across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain in many parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next few days. On Thursday, light showers followed by fog covered the state capital Shimla. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected in the next 48 hours, while heavy downpours are likely between September 13 and 15. “Some districts have already received light to moderate rain. Mandi recorded the highest at 62 mm, followed by 42 mm in Bilaspur. Shimla, Una, Solan, and Sirmaur also saw light showers,” said Shobhit Katiyaar, Senior Scientist at IMD, speaking to ANI.
Katiyaar added that rainfall will intensify over the weekend. On September 12 and 13, most parts of the state will see rain, with heavy showers expected in mid-hill and plain areas. Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur may face heavy rain on September 13, while Mandi and Kullu are likely to get heavy rainfall at isolated spots on September 13 and 14.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur on September 13–14, and for Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una on September 13. Rainfall is likely to decrease after September 16.
Sharing data, IMD scientist Shobhit Katiyaar said that between June 1 and September 11, Himachal Pradesh received 961 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 674 mm. This is 43% above normal.
He added that Kullu district has recorded the highest rainfall this monsoon, while almost all other districts have also received excess rain. “In 1995, Himachal got around 1,030 mm of rain during the entire season. With two weeks still left before withdrawal, this year’s rainfall is already the highest in the past 30 years,” Katiyaar said.
Explaining the reasons for such heavy rains, he pointed to both local conditions and the monsoon system. “Usually, troughs or local cyclonic activity in the Himalayan foothills cause rain. But this year, apart from normal monsoon features, Western Disturbances have been active almost every 5–7 days. Their interaction with the monsoon has brought much higher rainfall,” he explained.
No Flash Flood Warning, But IMD Cautions of Landslide Risk in Himachal
Katiyaar clarified that there is no flash flood warning in place for Himachal Pradesh at the moment. However, he cautioned that heavy rainfall on September 13 and 14 could trigger landslides and mudslides across the state.
“People are advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and vulnerable slopes between September 13 and 15 and strictly follow advisories issued by the state government or district administration,” Katiyaar said.
The IMD noted that while the monsoon usually withdraws from Himachal by September 25–26, this year has already seen 139% above-normal rainfall in September alone. With the wet spell likely to continue for another two weeks, experts warn that the risk of rain-related hazards will remain high.
