Shimla, July 1 -- The Southwest Monsoon has officially covered the entire state of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, marking its complete advance across the hill state six days later than the normal onset date of June 25.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon advanced into the remaining parts of Himachal Pradesh on July 1, bringing the entire state under its influence. The latest phase of the monsoon covered the remaining areas of Shimla district, including Shimla city, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kangra districts. It also extended across the entire districts of Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Chamba.

The IMD had earlier indicated that conditions were favourable for the further advance of t...