2024 Post-Monsoon: Himachal Pradesh’s rainfall deficit continues
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Jan 2,
During the post-monsoon season of October to December 2024, Himachal Pradesh experienced varied weather conditions, marked by a significant deficiency in rainfall. This was the second consecutive rainy season recorded as deficient. From October to December, the state recorded an overall precipitation of 49.1 mm, which is 41% below the normal rainfall of 82.9 mm. This made it the 41st lowest rainfall recorded in the state from 1901-2024, with the highest rainfall ever recorded in 1955 at 429.4 mm.
In December, the weather remained largely dry, with weak rainfall activity observed on most days. The state received 48.2 mm of rainfall (27% above the normal 38.1 mm), making it a slightly wetter month compared to usual. However, some districts experienced larger deviations. Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla, and Sirmaur recorded large excess rainfall, while Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur had excess rainfall. Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti had normal rainfall, but Solan experienced deficient rainfall.
A notable weather phenomenon in December was the prevalence of fog, with dense fog observed in Bilaspur, Mandi, and parts of Kangra. Cold wave conditions were widespread, with severe cold days recorded in places like Mandi, Sundernagar, Chamba, and Kalpa. Ground frost was also reported in various locations, including Palampur, Kangra, and Shimla.
The months of October and November, however, saw extreme deficiencies in precipitation. October had a large deficiency of 97%, with only 0.7 mm of actual rainfall against a normal of 25.1 mm. In November, the deficiency was even more pronounced, with just 0.2 mm recorded against the normal of 19.7 mm. Many districts, including Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Chamba, saw no rainfall during these months.
It is also noteworthy that the monsoon this year recorded normal to deficient rainfall levels, with an overall total of 600.9 mm, which was 18% below the normal value of 734.4 mm. Despite this shortfall, the monsoon is still classified as normal.
While the overall post-monsoon season experienced a significant lack of rainfall, with deficient conditions observed across most districts, certain areas like Bilaspur and Una saw excess rainfall. This fluctuating pattern of precipitation, combined with cold weather conditions, characterized Himachal Pradesh’s weather from October to December 2024.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.