November heading towards becoming driest month of the year, records 88 per cent rain deficit so far

With the state witnessing a record 88 per cent rainfall deficit over the last 17 days, November is set to become the driest month of the year. This year, November witnessed very few spells of snowfall and rainfall, due to which all 12 districts of the state reported higher rainfall deficit. While two districts reported 100 per cent rainfall deficit, six districts reported a rainfall deficit of over 90 per cent.

As per the State Meteorological Department, in November, Himachal Pradesh received 1.2 mm rain as compared to 9.9 mm, which was considered normal for the month.

The department’s data also revealed that Sirmaur and Mandi witnessed a total rainfall deficit of 100 per cent as the two districts did not receive any rainfall or snowfall in November. Sirmaur, on an average, witnesses around 3.5 mm rain during November, while Mandi receives 7.3 mm. However, both the districts witnessed zero rainfall over the last 17 days.

Also, Shimla reported 99 per cent rainfall deficit as the district received 0.1 mm precipitation as compared to 7.1 mm which was considered average. Similarly, Kangra, Hamirpur and Chamba recorded 98 per cent less rain. Kangra received 0.2 mm rain as compared to 7.3mm, Hamirpur 0.1mm as compared to 4.6mm and Chamba witnessed 0.5 mm rain as compared to 20.2 mm.

Kullu recorded 92 per cent rainfall deficit as the district received 1.1 mm rain as compared to 13.9 mm. Solan received 0.6 mm rain as compared to 6.4 mm, thus witnessing a rainfall deficit of 91 per cent. Bilaspur reported 89 per cent rainfall deficit as it received 0.7 mm rain against 6.3 mm.

Una received 0.7 mm rainfall against 4.2 mm, which was considered 83 per cent deficit. Tribal district Lahaul and Spiti reported a rainfall deficit of 78 per cent as it received 2.3 mm rain against 10.5 mm. Kinnaur district witnessed 55 per cent rainfall deficit, lowest in the state as it received 3.2 mm rain against 7.2 mm.

Meanwhile, the weather is expected to remain dry across the state till November 23, reducing the chances of any precipitation in the next few days. As per the department, minimum temperature is also likely to rise from 2°C to 3°C in the next few days, while maximum temperature will remain normal.