November rainfall in Himachal drops 95%, among lowest in 124 years
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Dec 1,
Himachal Pradesh experienced one of its driest Novembers in more than a century, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting that the state recorded the ninth lowest rainfall for the month since 1901. According to the monthly weather report issued by IMD Shimla, the state received only 1.0 mm of rainfall against the normal 19.7 mm, marking a steep 95 percent deficit and placing November 2025 in the ‘large deficient’ category.
Weather activity remained weak throughout the month, with almost all days staying dry except November 5, when isolated normal rainfall was observed. The rainfall map included in the report shows every district in the state falling under the large-deficient category, with Mandi and Sirmaur districts not receiving any rainfall at all. Shimla, which typically records early winter showers, received only 0.1 mm against the usual 12.6 mm, while Kinnaur recorded the comparatively higher amount of 2.7 mm, still far below its normal of 16.3 mm.
In addition to the persistent dry spell, dense fog affected the lower and mid-hill regions frequently through the latter half of the month. Mandi experienced nine days of dense fog, while Bilaspur reported seven days, with visibility at times dropping to as low as 70 to 150 metres. This pattern is clearly reflected in the IMD’s fog observations listed for multiple dates between November 6 and 30, indicating prolonged fog spells in Sundernagar, Bilaspur and Mandi.
Snowfall activity remained limited, with only light or trace snowfall recorded in high-altitude areas. Keylong reported a trace on November 5, while on November 6, Koksar recorded 8.6 cm, Gondla 3 cm, and Kalpa and Kukumseri reported trace amounts. No widespread snow events occurred across the state’s higher reaches.
Long-term data included in the report shows that this November fits into a broader pattern of declining precipitation during the month over recent years. A comparison of rainfall from 2010 to 2025 illustrates that November 2025 stands out as one of the driest during this 16-year period. Historically, the highest rainfall ever recorded in November was 88.5 mm in 1925, making this year’s 1 mm among the most deficient in 124 years.
IMD’s daily weather chart for the month shows that 29 out of 30 days were dry with weak activity, underscoring the subdued influence of western disturbances during the transition to winter. Looking ahead, the forecast for the first week of December indicates the possibility of light rain or snow at isolated places on December 1, 4 and 5 over the mid and high hills, while the rest of the period is expected to remain dry.
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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.
