Shimla, June 2,
Himachal Pradesh has experienced a 27 per cent shortfall in pre-monsoon rainfall this year, raising concerns about the changing climate trends in the hilly state. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received only 175 mm of cumulative rainfall between March and May, significantly lower than the seasonal average of 240.7 mm. This marks the 39th lowest pre-monsoon rainfall recorded in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting a worrying pattern, especially in the higher altitude regions.
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Despite the overall deficit, rainfall distribution across the state was far from uniform. While the state average for May remained nearly normal—just 1 per cent below average with 62 mm rainfall against the usual 63 mm—district-level figures paint a vastly different picture. The contrast was most evident between the southern and northern parts of the state. Sirmaur district recorded a dramatic 368 per cent excess rainfall in May, receiving 156.6 mm compared to its normal of 42.5 mm. Solan also recorded a notable rise, with 42 per cent above-average rainfall. In contrast, Kinnaur district received only 18.6 mm of rainfall in May, registering a steep 68 per cent deficit from its average of 57.4 mm.
The pre-monsoon season as a whole saw wide regional disparities. Districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Hamirpur recorded deficient rainfall, with Lahaul-Spiti experiencing the highest shortfall—only 135.7 mm of rain against a normal of 279 mm, a 51 per cent drop. Meanwhile, seven districts received either normal or excess rainfall, particularly in the lower hills. Sirmaur stood out with a 73 per cent surplus over the season, logging 217.6 mm against the normal 126.1 mm.
These trends reveal a distinct geographical divide: the lower hill districts such as Sirmaur, Solan, and Bilaspur received surplus rainfall, the mid-hill districts saw near-normal precipitation, while the higher altitudes, including Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, faced serious deficits. Sporadic heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms during the season added further unpredictability to weather patterns across Himachal.
Experts highlight that these erratic patterns underscore the growing impact of climate change on the region. The IMD data suggests that relying solely on uniform state-level climate policies may be ineffective. There is an urgent need for district-specific strategies that account for the diverse topography and varying rainfall trends in order to mitigate future water stress and manage agricultural planning more effectively.
As Himachal Pradesh prepares for the onset of the southwest monsoon, the pre-monsoon shortfall in the higher reaches serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need to strengthen localized climate resilience.
