Himachal weather: Monsoon fails to retreat by predicted date, more rain expected
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Shimla: Contrary to the weather forecast, the monsoon has not withdrawn from Himachal Pradesh on its usual date of September 24, signalling an extended wet spell for the region.
According to the Meteorological Department, the state is expected to experience more rainfall in the coming days as the monsoon shows no signs of retreating.
A top official of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla confirmed that the monsoon was currently withdrawing from parts of Rajasthan, but its departure from Himachal Pradesh would be delayed.
“It’s difficult to predict the exact date of withdrawal at this moment,” he said, adding that a rain alert had been issued from September 24 for the next 72 hours, with the weather expected to clear up only after September 27. However, rain is likely to make a return in the first week of October, further delaying the monsoon’s exit.
Withdrawal unlikely before October 6
Historical data from the Meteorological Department reveals that the latest monsoon withdrawal in the state occurred on October 11 in 2019 while last year it retreated on October 6 after a period of severe rainfall. This year, too, it seems unlikely that the monsoon will retreat before October 6.
Over the past four days, the state has seen bright sunshine, leading to a rise in temperatures, particularly in the plains, where the mercury has surged 3 to 6 degrees above normal. In contrast, tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Narkanda and Dalhousie have enjoyed pleasant weather.
Despite the prolonged monsoon spell in 2024, the rainfall this season has been significantly below average.
Rain deficit in 10 districts
Himachal Pradesh has received 20 per cent less rainfall than usual, with only 573.7 mm recorded between June 1 and September 23, against the normal 717.6 mm. Shimla stands out as the only district where rainfall exceeded the average by 16 per cent, while Bilaspur recorded normal rainfall. However, 10 other districts are grappling with a major deficit.
During the week of September 16 to 23, the state received just 8.1 mm of rainfall, which is 68 per cent less than the normal 25.5 mm, further highlighting the below-average monsoon activity.
