Himachal’s Getting Soaked Till June 22—Here’s What You Need to Know
Monsoon’s here, and Himachal Pradesh is in for some serious rain. The weather folks at IMD just dropped their latest forecast, and guess what? The wet spell isn’t letting up till June 22. Landslides and flash floods are already messing with daily life in some areas. So yeah, keeping an eye on the weather isn’t just smart—it’s kinda essential right now. Let me break it down for you: where it’s hitting hardest, what to watch out for, and how to stay safe.
Straight from the IMD: What’s Coming
Okay, so here’s the deal. Himachal’s gonna see rain—lots of it—from now till June 22. Not just drizzle, but proper downpours in places like Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi. Some spots might even get 100mm in a single day. That’s a whole lot of water. Sure, it’ll cool things down after that brutal summer heat, but there’s a flip side: roads turning into rivers, landslides blocking highways, you know the drill.
Why This Rain’s Different
The IMD put out this warning—says while it’s normal monsoon stuff, some areas could get hit harder than usual. Here’s the thing: this year’s rain is about 15-20% heavier than what we usually see in June. Blame it on some weather system called a ‘western disturbance’ (fancy term for ‘rain on steroids’). They’re specifically telling people in low-lying areas: “Stay alert.” And honestly? They’re not wrong.
Places That Need to Be Extra Careful
These spots are basically on red alert right now:
- Shimla: Khalini, Tutu—basically anywhere with steep slopes. Landslide central.
- Kullu: Parvati Valley and those cute little villages around it. Gorgeous, but risky right now.
- Mandi: That stretch near Pandoh Dam on NH-154? Yeah, avoid if possible.
Already heard about six small landslides in the last two days—some major roads are blocked. And if you’re thinking of hitting Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley? Maybe reschedule. Seriously.
How to Not Get Caught in This Mess
If You Live Here:
- Try not to travel when it’s pouring hardest—usually late afternoons.
- Keep checking IMD’s website. They update flood warnings like clockwork.
- Save these numbers: Disaster Management (1077) and the State Helpline (1100). Better safe than sorry, right?
If You’re Visiting:
- Peek at HPTDC’s advisories before heading up to the hills.
- Trekking or camping? Bad idea. Rivers like the Beas are already scarily high.
- Follow @HimachalDMA on Twitter. Their updates are lifesavers—literally.
Where to Get Real-Time Info
Bookmark these—you’ll thank me later:
- IMD’s site: mausam.imd.gov.in
- Weather apps like AccuWeather or Windy (turn on landslide alerts—yes, that’s a thing).
- Local radio, especially AIR Shimla on 103.4 FM. Old-school, but reliable.
Bottom Line
Look, rain’s great for crops and all, but let’s not pretend it’s all good news. If you’re in Himachal or planning to go, play it safe. Share this with anyone who needs to know—because a little heads-up today might save a whole lot of trouble tomorrow.
Extra Stuff That Might Help
- IMD’s official updates (June 2024 stuff)
- Himachal Disaster Control Room: +91-177-262-4334
- The Weather Channel—they cover Himachal pretty well
Source: Hindustan Times – India News