Himachal: Heavy rain expected for a week starting today; ‘Red Alert’ issued for two days

July 18, 2026

Continuous rainfall is forecast for Himachal Pradesh starting today and lasting for seven days. A ‘Red Alert’ for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for parts of the state for two days, while an ‘Orange Alert’ for heavy rainfall is in place for three days. A ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for two days. Shobhit Katiyar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, provided this information; a media briefing regarding this is also scheduled for 3:15 PM today. The weather remains clear in the capital, Shimla, today.

Last night, rainfall recorded at various stations included 137.0 mm at Dharamshala AWS, 109.0 mm at Jot (Chamba), 77.4 mm at Kangra, 65.5 mm at Dharamshala, and 38.0 mm at Palampur.

Rainfall expected in these districts today
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, the city and its surrounding areas are likely to remain overcast today with spells of light rain. Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by one or two spells of intense rain, is expected in some areas of Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi.

Similar conditions—light to moderate rain with occasional intense spells—are anticipated in parts of Kullu and Shimla districts. Light rain is likely in isolated areas across the remaining districts of the state.

Rainfall until July 24; check the alert schedule
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, predicts active monsoon conditions leading to heavy rainfall across the state from July 18 to July 24. Director Shobhit Katiyar stated that a ‘Red Alert’ for heavy rainfall is in effect for July 20–21.

Rainfall is forecast for most parts of the state from July 19 to July 24. An ‘Orange Alert’ for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for specific areas for July 19, 22, and 23, while a ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for July 18 and 24.