Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a 7 per cent deficit in rainfall this monsoon season despite some areas receiving heavy showers. The state has recorded 440.3 mm of rain between June 1 and August 12, falling short of the normal precipitation of 473 mm.
Seven Districts Record Below-Normal Rainfall
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that seven out of the state’s twelve districts have received less than the expected rainfall. Lahaul and Spiti, a tribal district, is the driest, with a significant 51 per cent deficit, having received only 112.7 mm of rain against a normal of 229 mm. Other districts facing deficits include Hamirpur with a 47 per cent shortfall, Mandi with 23 per cent, Kangra with 15 per cent, Solan with 8 per cent, Bilaspur with 6 per cent, and Una with a 2 per cent deficit.
Conversely, five districts have recorded surplus rainfall. Kullu leads with a 32 per cent surplus, receiving 464.4 mm against the expected 351.5 mm. Shimla has seen a 26 per cent surplus, recording 514.2 mm compared to the normal 408 mm. Kinnaur registered a 23 per cent surplus, with 171.9 mm against 140.3 mm. Sirmaur received 11 per cent more rain than normal (851.2 mm vs. 769.6 mm), and Chamba recorded a 6 per cent surplus (614.2 mm vs. 582 mm).
Weather Forecast and Temperature Variations
The Meteorological Centre has issued orange and yellow alerts for the state, forecasting heavy rain in many parts until August 18. A yellow alert was in place for August 13, specifically for Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, and Sirmaur districts, anticipating isolated heavy rainfall. Light to moderate rain is also expected in other regions.
Temperatures across the state on Wednesday remained mostly normal for minimums, while maximum temperatures were recorded between 3°C and 6°C above the seasonal average. The highest maximum temperature recorded was 35.6°C in Mandi, and the lowest minimum temperature was 11.2°C in Kukumseri, located in Lahaul and Spiti.
Specific temperature readings included Shimla at 27.9°C, Dharamsala at 30.1°C, Manali at 27.4°C, Solan at 31°C, Kangra at 33.4°C, Mandi at 35.6°C, Sundernagar at 35.1°C, Hamirpur and Bilaspur at 34.5°C each, Kufri at 23.8°C, Keylong at 24.1°C, Kalpa at 25.8°C, Nahan at 29.4°C, and Chamba at 32.1°C.
Road Blockages Persist Across the State
The inclement weather has led to continued road blockages throughout Himachal Pradesh, with a total of 209 roads remaining impassable. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Mandi district has the highest number of blocked roads at 94, followed by Kullu with 60. Other districts affected include Shimla with 21 blockages, Sirmaur with 11, Chamba with 10, Kangra with five, Una with four, and Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti each with two blocked roads. These disruptions are impacting connectivity and daily life across various parts of the state.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
