Himachal Welcomes the Rain: A Breath of Cool Air Before the Monsoon
After weeks of sweltering heat, Himachal Pradesh is finally breathing a sigh of relief as pre-monsoon showers sweep across the state. On Tuesday morning, Shimla and several other regions woke up to the soothing sound of rainfall, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures and a refreshing change in the air.
Just a day earlier, Shimla saw an intense burst of rain—25 mm in just 90 minutes after 2:30 PM. The sudden downpour led to waterlogged streets and overflowing drains, briefly disrupting daily life. Yet, the light drizzle that lingered into the night kept the weather pleasantly cool, setting the stage for Tuesday’s continued showers.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Himachal between June 21 and 23, with heavy rainfall predicted on June 21 and 22. While the hills are already enjoying cooler weather, the plains—like Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur—are still grappling with heat. Una saw some morning cloud cover on Monday, offering temporary relief before the sun returned in full force.
In contrast, districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti enjoyed a calm and pleasant Monday. Light clouds in the afternoon shielded residents from the sun, making for a comfortable day.
With more rain on the horizon, authorities are urging caution. Urban areas may face waterlogging, and hilly regions could be at risk of landslides. While the monsoon promises much-needed relief, it also brings its own set of challenges.
For now, though, the people of Himachal are savoring the cool breeze, the scent of wet earth, and the gentle rhythm of rain—a welcome pause before the full monsoon arrives.
