Shimla, June 20,
After two consecutive years of delayed arrival, the Southwest Monsoon has made an early onset over Himachal Pradesh this year, reaching parts of the state including Shimla on June 20. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this marks one of the earliest arrivals in the past five years. In comparison, the monsoon had reached the state on June 24 in 2023 and as late as June 27 in 2024. The early onset this year mirrors patterns last seen in 2021, when the monsoon had arrived even earlier on June 13.
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Over the past 25 years, the arrival date of the Southwest Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has shown considerable variation—ranging from as early as June 9 in 2000 to as late as July 5 in 2010. Notable late arrivals were recorded in 2002 (July 4), 2010 (July 5), and 2017 (July 1), reflecting the unpredictable nature of monsoon behaviour in the Western Himalayan region. This year’s early advancement, therefore, breaks a short cycle of delay and brings timely respite to the hills, plains, and valleys of the state.
The IMD has reported that the northern limit of the monsoon currently passes through Jaipur, Agra, Rampur, Dehradun, Shimla, Manali, and reaches up to 33.5°N/79.0°E. The last 24 hours have seen moderate rainfall across many parts of the state, with isolated locations experiencing heavy downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning. Weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to extend to the remaining parts of the state within the next 48 hours.
A significant wet spell is forecast from June 20 to 25, with peak rainfall intensity expected on June 22 and 25. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill districts including Kangra, Sirmaur, Una, Solan, Shimla, Hamirpur, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Kullu. The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts during this period, warning of localised landslides, mudslides, waterlogging in low-lying areas, slippery roads, and traffic congestion.
Residents and travellers are advised to remain alert, avoid vulnerable zones, and strictly follow all safety guidelines and advisories issued by the state government. Essential services such as water, electricity, and communication may also experience temporary disruptions during peak rainfall periods. The Meteorological Centre Shimla continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue regular updates.
