• Source:JND
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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for two days, Wednesday and Thursday, due to the activation of the Western Disturbance. This development indicates the resurgence of the weakened monsoon in India's mountainous regions. A yellow alert has been issued for the Kumaon division in Uttarakhand, where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. Light rain is also predicted in Dehradun and surrounding areas.

In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon had weakened after an active spell, but the maximum rainfall occurred in August. According to Kuldeep Srivastava, Director of the Meteorological Center in Shimla, the monsoon typically retreats from the state by September 24, but it is expected to linger this year. 

Meteorologists predict that the weather will clear after September 27. Generally, monsoon rains stopped by October 11, but this year, the monsoon is not expected to retreat before October 6. Despite the prolonged monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh received 20 per cent less rainfall than usual this year.

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In Uttarakhand, weather conditions shifted on Tuesday after a dry week and rising temperatures, bringing rainfall to Dehradun and hill districts. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Centre, said cloud cover will likely be across most parts of the state on Wednesday, with heavy rain expected in the Kumaon hills.

Himachal experienced no rainfall for the past five days, resulting in higher temperatures in low and mid-altitude areas, with Una recording a high of 38.6 degrees Celsius. However, cloud cover and cool winds relieved Shimla and nearby tourist areas.

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The monsoon withdrawal has already begun in western India. While the delayed monsoon and 6 per cent above-normal rainfall will benefit late crops in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, early crops in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh are facing damage. Excessive rainfall could cause paddy crops to fall and delay the sowing of pulses and oilseeds due to wet field conditions.