New Delhi [India], June 29: India received an early gift from the skies this year as the southwest monsoon made its full-scale arrival on Sunday, eight days ahead of its expected onset date of July 8, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The monsoon has now covered the entire regions of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, marking its widespread reach across northern India.
Meanwhile, the IMD also reported the persistence of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh. This system, along with its associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, is expected to move west-northwestwards over North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand during the next 48 hours.
Orange Alert for Himachal Pradesh
Even as the monsoon brought welcome relief from the heat, it also triggered weather warnings in hilly states. The IMD issued an orange alert for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Mandi, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next two days.
A yellow alert has also been announced for Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba, where light to moderate rainfall is expected. The IMD noted that isolated intense rain spells could affect parts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra.
Light to moderate showers are likely in Kullu, Una, and Chamba, while isolated rainfall is forecast for high-altitude districts like Kinnaur, Lahul, and Spiti in the next 3–4 hours.
Public Disruption and Safety Advisory
The continuous downpour has led to waterlogging, slippery roads, and reduced visibility in many areas, disrupting day-to-day life, particularly in Shimla. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay alert and avoid vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods.
Local resident Malkhan Singh shared his thoughts: “Given the weather department’s alert, people are mentally prepared. But to reduce losses, it’s essential that local residents follow advisories seriously.”
Authorities stressed that the issued alerts are crucial in ensuring timely preparedness and avoiding untoward incidents during the early stages of the monsoon.