Himachal Weather Update: Monsoon to become active again from the 18th; heavy rain alert issued

July 17, 2026

After a brief respite, the monsoon is set to become active again in Himachal Pradesh. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in several districts of the state between July 18 and July 23. In light of this forecast, ‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’ alerts have been issued for various days.

Current Weather Conditions and Impact
The weather remained clear across most parts of the state on Thursday, leading to humid and hot conditions in the plains and mid-hill regions. A maximum temperature of 38°C was recorded in Una, highlighting the intensity of the heat. Meanwhile, 50 roads across the state remained closed to traffic by evening, and four electricity transformers were affected, disrupting normal life.

Damage in Chamba and Kullu
Recent rains caused a surge in a local stream in Maujhi village (Pangi Valley, Chamba district), damaging standing crops, a footbridge, and a connecting road. Upon receiving the information, a team comprising administration officials and representatives from relevant departments rushed to the site to assess the damage. Due to the remote nature of the area, officials had to travel on foot to reach the village. Similarly, 28 roads in Kullu district remain closed due to earlier rains, and restoration work is currently underway.

Alerts for Various Districts
The Meteorological Department has issued detailed alerts for the coming days:

July 18: Yellow alert for heavy rain in Mandi and Kangra districts.
July 19: Orange alert for Chamba, Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra districts.
July 20:Orange alert for Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra districts.
July 21–23: Possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in mid-hill regions; Yellow alerts issued for other districts.

Safety Measures
The Meteorological Department has urged the public to avoid venturing near rivers and streams, to exercise extra caution in landslide-prone areas, and to adhere to advisories issued by the administration. Heavy rainfall can increase the risk of landslides, soil subsidence, and road closures; therefore, exercising caution is essential.