Shimla, Aug 6,
Himachal Pradesh experienced deficient rainfall in July 2024, as the state received an actual rainfall of 180.5 mm against the normal 255.9 mm, marking a 29% deficit. The Meteorological Centre Shimla, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and India Meteorological Department, has reported that this ranks as the 107th highest July rainfall since 1901, with the record highest being 548.6 mm in 1949.
District-wise rainfall analysis
In the month, Kangra district recorded the highest rainfall at 581.5 mm, nearly reaching its normal level of 589.3 mm. Other districts like Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla saw normal rainfall, while Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una experienced deficient rainfall. Lahaul-Spiti faced the most significant shortfall, receiving only 12.1 mm against a normal of 131.5 mm, a stark 91% deficiency.
Rainfall distribution and activity
Throughout July, the state saw varied precipitation activity. Notable days with widespread and active rainfall included July 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 29th. The first half of the month was characterized by isolated and scattered weak rainfall on multiple days, with few exceptions of normal and active intensity. In the latter part of the month, the intensity slightly increased, but the overall pattern remained weak.
Historical comparison
Comparing the rainfall from 2010 to 2024, this year’s July rainfall of 180.5 mm is notably lower. The years with relatively higher rainfall include 2010 with 269.3 mm and 2021 with 448.9 mm.
Going by data since 2010, seems that largely every year July remained deficient, barring 2023, when 75 percent additional recorded in the State.
Rainfall Comparisons and Trends
A comparison of monthly rainfall from 2010 to 2024 shows significant variability, with the highest recorded in 2021 at 448.9 mm. This year’s 180.5 mm stands out as particularly low, reinforcing concerns about changing weather patterns and potential impacts on agriculture and water resources.
| Year | Actual Rainfall (mm) | Departure (%) |
| 2010 | 269.3 | -10 |
| 2011 | 163.5 | -45 |
| 2012 | 213.8 | -31 |
| 2013 | 221.9 | -29 |
| 2014 | 214.5 | -21 |
| 2015 | 260.6 | -5 |
| 2016 | 193.3 | -29 |
| 2017 | 213.8 | -22 |
| 2018 | 240.1 | -12 |
| 2019 | 215.8 | -21 |
| 2020 | 204.0 | -25 |
| 2021 | 448.9 | 75 |
| 2022 | 266.2 | 4 |
| 2023 | 285.4 | 5 |
| 2024 | 180.5 | -29 |
Daily rainfall records
Significant daily rainfall events included on July 1: Chuari (Chamba) received 6 cm, Bharari (Hamirpur) and Paonta (Sirmaur) recorded 4 cm each. July 2: Kheri (Chamba) experienced 10 cm, while Bilaspur saw 8 cm. July 3: Kataula (Mandi) had the highest at 15 cm, followed by Pandoh (Mandi) with 11 cm. July 6: Dharmsala (Kangra) recorded a substantial 22 cm and July 23: Kangra Aero (Kangra) received 15 cm.
August 2024 forecast
Looking ahead, the forecast for August 2024 suggests normal to above-normal rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, with the long-period average being approximately 256.8 mm. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal for most parts of the state.
Light to moderate rainfall is likely at many places until August 6th, followed by similar conditions until August 11th, with the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
