Declining rainfall in Himachal : Weather Department issues yellow alert

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a significant decline in rainfall this monsoon season, causing concern among farmers and apple growers. This reduced rainfall is mainly due to the formation of a high-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, disrupting the usual monsoon patterns.

To address this situation, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall, forecasting increased rain starting from July 17 due to the activation of a western disturbance. This prediction offers a glimmer of hope for the agricultural community, which has seen a 25% reduction in rainfall so far in July.

The weather department has reiterated its yellow alert for heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh. Forecasts suggest that most parts of the state will begin receiving rainfall from July 17 onwards. The sluggish activity of the monsoon in the Bay of Bengal has led to this deficit, negatively impacting crops and reducing the size of apples, a significant produce of the region.

Senior official of the Indian Meteorological Department in Shimla, noted that weather conditions are expected to remain unstable until July 21. He assured that the activation of the western disturbance is likely to increase rainfall, providing much-needed relief to farmers and apple growers. While there is minimal chance of rain today, substantial rainfall is anticipated on July 17 and 18. Normal rainfall is expected across most parts of Himachal Pradesh in August.

Farmers are optimistic that the predicted rains will help alleviate the dry conditions, support their crops, and ensure a better yield for the remainder of the monsoon season.