Himachal weather: State gets 82% higher rain in first 10 days of monsoon, 4 districts facing deficit

Himachal Pradesh has experienced a significant surge in rainfall during the first 10 days of the monsoon season, with the state receiving 82 per cent more rainfall than usual.

From June 27 to July 6, the state recorded 74 mm of rain, substantially higher than the normal 40 mm expected for the period.
The southwest monsoon entered Himachal Pradesh on June 27, bringing heavy rainfall to eight districts: Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Solan.

These districts saw a notable increase in precipitation, with Mandi district experiencing the highest increase at 234 per cent above normal levels.

Here’s a breakdown of the rainfall percentages above normal for the affected districts: Mandi 234 per cent higher, Kangra 166 per cent, Shimla 121 per cent, Chamba 90 per cent, Hamirpur 83 per cent, Kullu 83 per cent, Bilaspur 58 per cent and Solan 48 per cent.

However, not all districts experienced this surge. Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmaur and Una districts recorded less than normal rainfall. Kinnaur saw 24 per cent less rain than normal, Lahaul-Spiti 79 per cent, Sirmaur 36 per cent and Una 10 per cent.

From July 1 to 6, the state saw an even greater increase in rainfall, receiving 106 per cent more rain than normal. During this period, 72 mm of rain was recorded compared to the usual 35 mm.

The monsoon’s arrival and the subsequent rainfall have brought both relief and challenges to the state. While the increased precipitation is beneficial for agriculture and water reservoirs, the uneven distribution has caused concerns in districts receiving less than normal rainfall.