Where Is Winter? Himachal records 6th lowest December rainfall since 1901, shows IMD data
Photo source; Internet
Shimla, Jan 1,
Himachal Pradesh has entered the New Year 2026 under a climate alarm, with December 2025 registering the 6th lowest rainfall in 125 years — a nearly rainless month that has pushed the state’s winter water security and tourism prospects into jeopardy. As per IMD data the month ended with just 0.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 38.1 mm, a staggering –99% deficit, making it one of the driest Decembers in recorded history from 1901–2025. Eleven out of twelve districts received zero rainfall, while even the lone exception, Lahaul–Spiti, barely touched 0.6 mm.
Before this, 0.0 mm rainfall, for the month of December was observed in the years of 1902, 1907, 1925, 1939, 1993.
The signs of atmospheric distress were visible all month — 31 days of weak or no precipitation, three isolated weak spells that brought negligible relief, dense to very dense fog choking Una, Bilaspur and Mandi, severe cold days, and ground frost episodes in Shimla. Yet, the state still waited in vain for the first meaningful snowfall, even in high-altitude belts where winter tourism relies heavily on December’s snow cover for skating, skiing and holiday footfall.
What makes this situation more alarming is the trajectory. The three month IMD data showcased that the season began on a deceptive high with October clocking 173% excess rainfall, only for November to crash to –95% and December to collapse further. Post-monsoon rainfall for October–December ended at 69.7 mm, classified as “normal” statistically but still the 58th lowest post-monsoon total in 125 years, signalling that the surplus was front-loaded and short-lived — a climate red flag.
The lack of winter precipitation hits Himachal where it hurts most: water sources are not replenishing, forest fire risk is rising earlier than usual, and orchards aren’t receiving the chill hours needed for a reliable apple season. Tourism-dependent economies in Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda and Manali have begun the peak holiday month without snow — a growing pattern now threatening livelihoods.
Climate scientists have warned that erratic Western Disturbances and rapid warming in the mid-Himalayas are rewriting the state’s winter climate — and this December stands as Exhibit A. In a hill economy where snow is currency and moisture is survival, this near-collapse of December rainfall must trigger urgent attention from planners and policymakers.
Himachal has stepped into 2026 with the kind of weather deficit that doesn’t just affect a month — it can reshape an entire year.
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.