Monsoon activity has expanded across most parts of the country, including Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting its arrival in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the coming days. Heavy rainfall has been recorded in several states, while the IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for West Bengal, Sikkim and the entire North-East region.
In Himachal Pradesh's capital Shimla, torrential rain ahead of the formal onset of the monsoon disrupted normal life. Several parts of the city experienced waterlogging, affecting traffic on roads and major routes. The worst impact was reported in the Dhalli area, where debris carried by b water flow buried three vehicles. Rainwater also entered several houses, causing financial losses to local residents.
The rainfall occurred during school closing hours and when office employees were returning home, resulting in prolonged traffic congestion and severe commuting difficulties for schoolchildren, office workers and other travellers.
Continuous dense cloud cover and heavy rainfall created dark conditions in Shimla by around 4 p.m. The city's drainage system appeared unable to cope with the rainfall, as water failed to drain through the drains, leaving roads waterlogged and slowing vehicle movement. The local administration deployed relief and rescue teams in several areas to clear waterlogging and debris. The rainfall also disrupted residents' daily activities.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for the districts of Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh. According to the department, these areas are likely to experience rainfall and b winds over the next few days, with wind speeds expected to reach 40 to 50 kmph. The department has forecast intermittent rainfall across the state over the next seven days.
After the activation of a Western Disturbance on the night of 30 June, heavy rainfall is expected in the hill regions on 1 and 2 July. There is a possibility of landslides, flash floods and road blockages during this period.
The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Continuous rainfall in the hilly areas of these states may increase the risk of landslides and rising river water levels. The administration has advised local residents and tourists to stay away from rivers, streams, hill slopes and landslide-prone areas. People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather and follow the directions issued by the weather department.
According to the IMD, the monsoon has covered most parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is also active across large parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar. The department expects the monsoon to enter Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan within the next few days. However, several locations in these states have already received pre-monsoon rainfall ahead of the official onset. Under the influence of the Western Disturbance, many parts of North India are experiencing cooler weather, with a drop in temperatures also recorded.
