Shimla, September 9 – The Meteorological Centre in Shimla, in its bulletin released on Monday, informed that the monsoon remains active across Himachal Pradesh. Light rainfall is expected in the state between September 8 and 14, though no major alert has been issued. The IMD, however, has warned of the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on September 8. From September 9 onwards, no such warning has been issued until September 14.
Road Connectivity Issues Persist
Lack of communication is still a concern in Himachal Pradesh. The Chandigarh–Manali Highway is among North India’s most frequented routes which is still facing ongoing closures, especially in the Mandi–Pandoh stretch, owing to landslides and falling debris. In Shimla region as well many roads are damaged and a few of them are still being repaired.
In the recent past, landslides in the vicinity of Pandoh have added to the already hours-long blockage of the highway, in which commuters find themse lves stranded within massive blocks of vehicles. Over 300 roads are still blocked in Himachal Pradesh at the moment, creating heavy traffic jams at several places, as only single lane operation is possible on many of them.
Weather Outlook
- Shimla & Central Himachal: Light showers are likely on September 13 and 14. Short-term trips of 3–4 days are manageable, though travelers should be prepared for intermittent rain and avoid night travel.
- Dharamshala: Pleasant weather persists, but occasional thundershowers and lightning are expected between September 9 and 15, prompting tourists to exercise caution.
- Spiti Valley: The cold has intensified, with snow covering certain areas. Only seasoned travelers accustomed to mountain driving should plan journeys here. Adequate vehicle preparation and warm clothing are essential. The region is currently suitable only for experienced travelers.
Advisory for Travelers
Himachal Pradesh, has opened its doors for tourists but with the weather playing havoc, it’s wise to plan your travel accordingly. Heavy rainfall alerts have been released for September 12-13 that may lead to more disruptions.
According to the IMD, the state is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall in the coming days, with mainly clouds hovering over most of the regions. Relief efforts are underway to clear blockages to the road network, however, it may remain risky to travel during this time.
For a safer experience, Real Himachal suggests planning trips post September 25, by when weather and road conditions are expected to normalise.
