Himachal weather: Clear skies return as monsoon weakens, no rain expected until this date
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Shimla: After days of continuous rainfall, the weather in Himachal Pradesh has finally cleared, bringing sunshine across the state.
On Sunday (September 29, 2024), bright skies were seen in all regions, including capital Shimla, offering much-needed respite to residents. The India Meteorological Department has forecast clear weather across Himachal Pradesh until October 4, with a further rise in maximum temperature expected in the coming days. The monsoon is likely to withdraw from the state in the first week of October.
18% rainfall deficit this monsoon
As the weather stabilised, temperatures soared in several districts. The highest temperature was recorded in Una at 33.4°C, followed by Bilaspur and Chamba at 31.3°C, Neri at 31°C, Bhuntar at 30.5°C, Mandi at 29.4°C, Sundernagar at 29.3°C, Solan at 29°C, Kangra at 27.5°C, Nahan at 24.3°C, Shimla and Dharamshala at 24°C, Kalpa at 23.2°C and Manali at 22.3°C. Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest at 5.2°C.
Despite some intense spells of rain this season, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 18% less rainfall than normal during the ongoing monsoon. From June 27 to September 28, the state received 597 mm of rainfall, whereas the normal average for this period is 732 mm. Only Shimla and Bilaspur districts recorded higher-than-normal rainfall, with Shimla seeing 15% more and Bilaspur 3% more rain than usual.
69% rain deficit in tribal Lahaul-Spiti
In contrast, several districts experienced significant rainfall deficit. Chamba recorded 35% less rainfall, Hamirpur 28% less, Kangra 3% less, Kinnaur 21% less, Kullu 19% less, Lahaul-Spiti 69% less, Mandi 1% less, Sirmaur 2% less, Solan 21% less and Una 30% less than normal. The ongoing deficit in rainfall has raised concerns, particularly in regions dependent on seasonal rains for agriculture and water resources.
