Himachal records 41 per cent deficient rain in post-monsoon period

Himachal has received 41 per cent less rain in the post-monsoon period, from October to December. Against the normal rainfall of 82.9 mm, the state received 49.1 mm, which is the 41st lowest rainfall from 1901 to 2024. Had the month of December not recorded 27 per cent more than normal rainfall, the rain deficiency would have been much higher in the post-monsoon period.

While the districts of Bilaspur, Una received excess rainfall, Hamirpur received normal rainfall. The districts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmaur received deficient rainfall, district Solan recorded large deficient rainfall.

While October and November saw almost drought-like conditions, recording 97 and 99 per cent less rainfall, the prolonged dry spell ended in December. 48.2 mm rainfall was recorded against 38.1mm in December, an excess of 27 per cent.

The districts of Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla and Sirmaur received large excess rainfall, while districts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur received excess rainfall. The districts of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti received normal rainfall, while district Solan received deficient rainfall. Overall, the state received the 44th highest rainfall in December in the 1901-2024 period.