Himachal Records 72% Above-Normal Rainfall in August, Highest in 15 Years

Himachal Pradesh witnessed 72% higher rainfall than normal in August, making it the wettest August in at least 15 years. Against the normal 256.8 mm, the state received over 440 mm of rainfall this month. The extreme downpour has caused widespread devastation, inflicting heavy damage on key infrastructure as well as public and private property.

The heavy rains have also triggered weather-related disasters, claiming multiple lives across the state. The previous highest August rainfall in 15 years was recorded in 2019 at 322.5 mm. This year’s August surpassed that by nearly 120 mm.

Remarkably, all 12 districts of Himachal recorded rainfall above the normal range—between 26% and 162% higher. Lahaul-Spiti recorded 26% above normal, while Kullu witnessed the sharpest deviation at 162%. Other districts with over 100% excess rainfall include Chamba (104%), Solan (118%), Una (121%), and Shimla (126%). Kangra saw a 29% excess.

While rains persisted throughout the month, the last week of August proved particularly severe. Against a normal weekly rainfall of 42.4 mm, the state recorded 165.6 mm—a 291% deviation. Every district reported more than 140% excess rainfall during the week, with Chamba recording 589% above normal and Kullu 458%. Unsurprisingly, both districts have suffered some of the heaviest damage in recent days.

Overall, Himachal Pradesh has so far received 826.8 mm of rainfall this monsoon, against a normal of 613.8 mm—a 35% excess. Typically, the state records 734.4 mm over the entire monsoon season.