Himachal Monsoon Deficit: Lahaul-Spiti Worst Hit at 65%
IMD reports an 11% monsoon rainfall deficit in Himachal Pradesh, with Lahaul-Spiti suffering a massive 65% shortfall.
Himachal Pradesh has recorded an 11 per cent deficit in monsoon rainfall this year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While the state saw an overall shortfall, the impact was unevenly distributed, leaving certain high-altitude regions struggling with a massive monsoon rainfall deficit.
Lahaul-Spiti Faces Severe Shortfall
The IMD data reveals a stark contrast between different districts. Lahaul-Spiti emerged as the hardest-hit region, registering a staggering 65 per cent deficiency compared to normal rainfall levels. Other districts also faced significant shortfalls, including:
- Hamirpur: 34 per cent deficit
- Mandi: 14 per cent deficit
- Solan: 14 per cent deficit
In contrast, some regions experienced surplus moisture. Kinnaur received approximately 18 per cent more rainfall than normal, while Shimla recorded 16 per cent above the seasonal average.
Delayed Monsoon Cycle
The monsoon season in the hill state was marked by delays at both ends. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a Senior Scientist at the IMD, noted that the Southwest Monsoon entered the state on June 30—roughly six days later than its typical arrival on June 24. The withdrawal was also delayed, with the monsoon exiting the state on October 3, eight days after its normal departure date of September 25.
Temperature Trends and Current Weather
Recent weather patterns have seen temperatures trending above normal in several pockets. While Kalpa experienced cool maximum temperatures between 6 and 9 degrees Celsius, Una recorded a high of 34 degrees Celsius. Shimla saw temperatures reaching around 25 degrees Celsius.
Upcoming Weather Forecast: Rain and Snow Alert
The IMD has predicted a shift in weather activity starting from the night of October 6. Residents should prepare for the following:
- Thunderstorms and Rain: Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, and Mandi.
- Snowfall Possibility: There is a potential for snowfall in the higher reaches of Kangra, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti, depending on local altitude and conditions.
- Timeline: Weather activity is expected to peak between October 7 and October 9, particularly in central districts, before significantly reducing after October 10.