Pre-monsoon arrives in Himachal: Heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong winds disrupt normal life; alert issued

June 12, 2026

Pre-monsoon showers have commenced in Himachal Pradesh. The monsoon is expected to arrive in the state by June 25. Heavy rainfall occurred at several locations across the districts of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Chamba. In Shimla, a spell of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds began after 8 PM.

In Chamba, twenty sheep and goats were buried under debris following a rise in the water level at Garh Nala in Rajera. Meanwhile, on the Bharmour-Pathankot highway, a car’s tires got stuck in the mud after debris washed onto the road at Bharmour Sarain Nala. Additionally, in view of the rising water level and increasing inflow at the Pandoh Dam, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has issued a warning regarding the controlled release of up to 3,000 cusecs of additional water into the Beas River.

This release could take place between Thursday night and Friday morning. Water levels in downstream areas could rise by two to three meters following the release.

While a drop in temperature has been recorded in high-altitude regions, spells of rain and strong winds have begun in the plains and mid-hill districts. Fresh snowfall at Rohtang Pass has brought a wintry chill even in June, while heavy hailstorms struck the Nogli area of ​​Rampur subdivision and the Nitthar region of Kullu district. There are concerns that fruit and vegetable crops may have been damaged by the hailstorm. In some areas, bright sunshine led to humid conditions. Chamba experienced rain accompanied by strong winds, while Dharamshala and Palampur saw heavy rain, hailstorms, and gusty winds.

Alert for strong winds and rain in Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla today
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for rain, strong winds, and hailstorms in the districts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur for Friday. According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast, inclement weather is likely to persist in the state until June 17 due to the activity of a Western Disturbance. While temperatures have dropped in Rohtang and high-altitude areas, the heat continues to prevail in the plains. Residents in lower-lying areas, including Una, faced discomfort due to daytime hot winds and high humidity, whereas the weather remained pleasant in the hilly regions.