Fresh Rain Disrupts Normal Life Across Himachal Pradesh; Schools Shut in Solan and Sirmaur, IMD Issues Yellow Alert

July 10, 2026

Shimla, July 10: Fresh spells of rain continued to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours, prompting the closure of schools in Solan and Sirmaur districts and affecting road connectivity, power supply and water services in several areas.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 75 roads remained closed on Thursday evening, while 29 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) and five water supply schemes were affected due to the ongoing rainfall. No loss of life has been reported so far.

Schools closed in Solan and Sirmaur

In view of the heavy rainfall forecast, the district administrations of Solan and Sirmaur declared a holiday for all government and private schools, colleges and other educational institutions on Friday.

However, the orders do not apply to teaching and non-teaching staff, who have been asked to report for duty as usual.

Waterlogging in Kala-Amb, vehicles damaged in Shimla

Heavy rain caused waterlogging in several areas of Kala-Amb town in Sirmaur district, affecting normal movement.

In Shimla’s Vikasnagar area, two parked vehicles were damaged after stones rolled down from a hillside during the night following continuous rainfall.

Boulders fall on Chandigarh-Shimla four-lane highway

Large boulders also rolled onto the Chandigarh-Shimla four-lane highway between Kandaghat and Waknaghat, partially obstructing traffic. One massive boulder reached the adjacent lane, though no vehicles were hit and traffic continued with caution.

Authorities have advised commuters to remain alert while travelling on hilly roads due to the possibility of fresh landslides and falling rocks.

IMD issues fresh rainfall alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rainfall in Shimla and Sirmaur, while Solan is likely to receive moderate to heavy showers.

Moderate rainfall is expected in Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba, whereas Kangra, Una and Bilaspur are likely to witness light to moderate rain. Light showers are also expected in Lahaul and Spiti.

The weather department has advised people to avoid rivers, streams, landslide-prone slopes and low-lying areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

Monsoon likely to weaken briefly

The IMD said the southwest monsoon is expected to weaken from July 11 to July 17, resulting in below-normal rainfall across much of the state. During this period, heavy rain is likely only in isolated mid-hill regions, while the plains may witness light cloud cover or occasional drizzle.

The weather department has predicted that monsoon activity will strengthen again between July 18 and July 24, with above-normal rainfall expected across several parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Rainfall remains above normal

Since the onset of the monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh has received 26 per cent more rainfall than normal, according to the IMD.

The state has also witnessed six landslides and four cloudburst incidents so far this season. The cloudbursts were reported from Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kullu districts. More than 250 roads remain closed, while nearly 200 electricity transformers are currently out of service due to rain-related damage.

Temperatures drop across the state

Continuous rainfall has led to a significant drop in temperatures across Himachal Pradesh.

Kalpa recorded the sharpest fall, with the maximum temperature dropping 8 degrees Celsius below normal to 15.4°C.

Other major temperature drops included:

• Solan: 22.5°C (down 6.8°C)
• Bilaspur: 27.0°C (down 6.3°C)
• Bhuntar: 26.6°C (down 5.4°C)
• Shimla: 20.2°C (down 3.3°C)

The IMD has advised residents and tourists to stay updated with official weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas as rain is expected to continue over the next few days.