Light rain ahead, September likely to stay dry in Himachal
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Light rain ahead, September likely to stay dry in Himachal
Shimla, Aug 24,
Even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects light rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the next few days, the broader monsoon outlook suggests that September could remain largely below normal in the state, raising the possibility of the season ending with a rainfall deficit.
According to the rainfall outlook issued by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, rainfall during August-September is likely to remain below normal over most parts of Himachal Pradesh. Above-normal rainfall is expected over many parts of Lahaul-Spiti, some areas of Chamba and northern Kinnaur, while parts of northern Kullu are likely to receive near-normal rainfall.
The rainfall figures till August 24 already show a deficit. Himachal Pradesh has received 527.7 mm of rain during the monsoon season from June 1 to August 24, against the normal 571.4 mm, leaving the state 8 per cent below normal.
The picture for August has also been uneven. From August 1 to 24, the state recorded 190.9 mm against the normal 214.4 mm, a deficit of 11 per cent.
Several districts have recorded substantial rainfall deficits during August. Lahaul-Spiti is 71 per cent below normal, Kinnaur 50 per cent, Chamba 36 per cent, Solan 30 per cent and Hamirpur 25 per cent below normal. On the other hand, Sirmaur has recorded 19 per cent excess rainfall, while Bilaspur and Kullu are 12 per cent above normal. Shimla has recorded a 7 per cent surplus and Kangra 9 per cent.
The cumulative monsoon data also reveal sharp regional variations. Kullu has received 22 per cent excess rainfall since June 1, while Shimla has recorded a 17 per cent surplus. In contrast, Lahaul-Spiti remains 55 per cent deficient, Hamirpur 34 per cent deficient and Mandi 16 per cent below normal. Solan has a 12 per cent deficit and Kangra 5 per cent.
Also read: From Torrential rains, to early snow: Himachal faces rare September weather extremes
The IMD’s August outlook had already indicated that rainfall would likely remain below normal across most of the state, with normal to above-normal rainfall confined largely to parts of Chamba and adjoining Lahaul.
With September being the final month of the southwest monsoon, the latest outlook leaves limited indication of a widespread recovery in rainfall. While isolated spells may continue, the prevailing forecast suggests that most of Himachal could finish the monsoon season with rainfall below its normal level.
The temperature outlook also points to a warmer August, with both mean minimum and maximum temperatures likely to remain above normal over many parts of Himachal Pradesh.
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