Himachal Pradesh is set for heavy rain and thunderstorms at least till October 10. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts. Strong surface winds are expected along with the rain.

Light snowfall is possible in higher altitude areas. Temperatures in the hills are expected to fall sharply. The department has advised residents and tourists to follow weather advisories.

The wet spell is part of a western disturbance over north India. Uttarakhand is also under a yellow alert for rain. The two hill states often see similar weather from the same systems.

Tourists planning to visit Shimla, Manali or Dharamshala should check forecasts first. Road travel in the hills can be hit by landslides during heavy rain. The IMD will update the warning if conditions change.

The state tourism department has advised visitors to avoid high-altitude areas during the alert period. Hotels in Shimla and Manali are monitoring the situation. Snowfall this early in the season is unusual. It could affect apple harvesting in Kinnaur. Farmers have been asked to protect their crops. The rain will also improve water levels in the state’s reservoirs.