A Pause in the Storm: Himachal Braces for a Short Break from Monsoon Mayhem
After days of relentless downpours and mounting devastation, Himachal Pradesh is finally expected to catch its breath. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast a brief lull in heavy rainfall on July 24 and 25, offering a much-needed window of relief to the rain-battered state.
While light to moderate showers may still occur in some areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not issued any heavy rain warnings for these two days—bringing a glimmer of hope to communities struggling to recover.
Rainfall Snapshot:
In the 24 hours leading up to the morning , most regions saw light to moderate rain, with a few areas experiencing heavier showers. The highest rainfall was recorded at:
- Amb (Una) – 9 cm
- Bharari (Hamirpur) – 7 cm
- Barthin (Bilaspur) – 6 cm
- Nadaun, Jogindarnagar, Karsog – 5 cm each
- Kasauli, Dehra Gopipur – 4 cm
- Sarahan, Kufri – 3 cm
Temperatures remained below normal, with maximums dipping by 4–9°C in many places. Narkanda recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 13.7°C, while Paonta Sahib saw the highest maximum at 32.0°C.
What’s Ahead?
This short break won’t last long. The IMD warns that heavy rain is likely to return from July 26 to 28, and with it, the risk of landslides, flash floods, and other rain-related hazards. Maximum temperatures may rise slightly, but minimums are expected to stay steady.
The Human Cost
The toll of this monsoon season has been heartbreaking. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the death toll has climbed to 132, and the estimated losses have crossed ₹1,246.90 crore. Emergency teams are using this brief dry spell to regroup, assist affected families, and prepare for the next wave of weather challenges.
