Himachal Pradesh recorded a 16% rainfall deficit in August, receiving 217 mm of rain against the normal 256.8 mm between August 1 and 31.
Rainfall varied sharply across the state’s districts during the month. The monsoon season lasts till September. Lahaul-Spiti recorded the highest deficit at 77%, followed by Kinnaur at 58% and Chamba at 33%, according to the India meteorological department (IMD). In contrast, Sirmaur recorded 19% excess rainfall, while Bilaspur received 14% above-normal rainfall and Kangra 4% above normal. The state has also recorded a 10% rainfall deficit during the monsoon season so far, amid weak monsoon activity. From June 1 to August 31, Himachal received 553.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 613.8 mm. Lahaul-Spiti recorded the highest monsoon-season deficit at 59%, followed by Hamirpur at 35% and Mandi at 18%. Shimla and Kullu recorded 14% excess rainfall each during the monsoon season so far. The weather office has predicted heavy rain spells at isolated places across various parts of the state till September 3. The IMD has also sounded a yellow alert of heavy rainfall for September 1 in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. It will be followed by a similar alert on September 2 in Kangra, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts and in Kangra and Sirmaur districts on August 3.
