Himachal Faces Its Driest November in Years: Rainfall 88% Below Normal, Farming Hit

Himachal Set for Its Driest November: Rainfall Down by 88%

Shimla, 19 November || Diarytimes News Bureau

Himachal Pradesh is on track to record one of its driest Novembers in recent years, with both rainfall and snowfall nearly absent this month. In the first 18 days of November, the state recorded an 88% rainfall deficit. According to the Meteorological Department, there has been no rain or snow at all this month in Sirmaur and Mandi districts.

The rainfall shortage is already affecting farmers. In large parts of Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, and Mandi, many farmers have still not been able to begin wheat sowing because the soil lacks the required moisture.

The Met Department notes that the state normally receives around 9.9 mm of rainfall in November, but this year only 1.2 mm has been recorded so far. The prolonged dry spell has led to colder-than-usual nights across the state. Interestingly, several low-lying areas—including Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra, and Mandi—have been colder than Shimla in recent days. Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 9°C last night, compared to 7.1°C in Hamirpur, 8.5°C in Kangra, 9.2°C in Una and Nahan, and 7.7°C in Mandi.

Temperatures continue to fall in many regions. In the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, Tabo recorded -5.6°C and Kukumseri -5.1°C. Keylong reported 0.1°C, while Kalpa stood at 2.6°C and Manali at 4.1°C. These figures indicate intensifying cold in the higher reaches—yet the absence of snowfall remains unusual for this time of year.

The latest Met report states that the state’s average minimum temperature is currently 0.2°C above normal. While mornings and nights are turning colder, the overall cold-wave intensity has eased slightly. Jubbarhatti Airport recorded 10.2°C, Kasauli 10.7°C, Paonta Sahib 12°C, and Hamirpur’s Neri station 12.3°C, all relatively warmer than the hill stations.

Elsewhere, Shimla recorded 9°C, Solan 5.8°C, Bhuntar 5°C, Dharamshala 8.7°C, and Palampur 7°C. In Kullu–Bajoura, the temperature was 5.8°C. Narkanda reported 6.3°C, Sarahan 5.3°C, Dehra Gopipur 10°C, and Kufri 9.5°C.

The continuing lack of rain is posing a serious challenge for agriculture. Thousands of farmers across Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Una are waiting for sufficient moisture to begin sowing the season’s major rabi crop—wheat. With cracks appearing in fields due to dryness, agricultural experts warn that if rains do not arrive within the next week, wheat production may suffer this season.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has made it clear that the weather is likely to remain dry across Himachal Pradesh until 25 November. This means there is no forecast of rain or snowfall for the coming days.