Himachal Pradesh Sees Its 9th Driest November in 125 Years: Worrying Rain Deficit Continues

Himachal Pradesh has recorded its ninth driest November in 125 years, according to the Meteorological Department. The state received only 1 mm of rainfall this November, a stark contrast to the normal average of 19.7 mm, marking a 95% deficit.

Despite the severe shortfall, this year’s rainfall was still marginally higher than last November, when the state saw only 0.2 mm—representing a 99% deficit. The same amount of rainfall was last observed in 2021 and 1983.

The MeT Department reported that all 12 districts experienced a large rainfall deficit. Sirmaur and Mandi were the driest, recording zero rainfall against their respective averages of 7.7 mm and 13.4 mm.

Four districts—Shimla, Chamba, Hamirpur and Kangra—recorded a deficit of 99%. Shimla received just 0.1 mm of rain against its average of 12.6 mm, Chamba logged 0.2 mm (average 34.8 mm), Hamirpur 0.1 mm (average 8.9 mm) and Kangra 0.2 mm (normal 14.5 mm).

Kullu and Una saw a 96% deficit, with Kullu receiving 1.1 mm compared to its normal 27.7 mm, and Una recording 0.4 mm against an average of 9.1 mm. Solan reported a 95% deficit with only 0.6 mm of rainfall compared to the usual 13.2 mm. Bilaspur received 0.7 mm against 10.6 mm, while Lahaul-Spiti recorded 1.9 mm versus its average of 23.6 mm. Kinnaur logged an 84% deficit with 2.7 mm against a normal 16.3 mm.

Dry Spell Likely to Continue in December

The Meteorological Department predicts that the dry conditions will persist through December, with the state expected to receive below-normal rainfall. Maximum and minimum temperatures across Himachal are likely to remain normal or slightly above normal. Lower hills and plains—particularly Solan, Una, Bilaspur and Sirmaur—are expected to experience above-normal cold wave conditions.

Light snowfall and isolated rain are forecast in the middle and higher hills on December 5 and 7.

Over the past 24 hours, the weather remained mostly dry statewide, with minimal fluctuation in temperatures. Minimum temperatures ranged from -8°C to 10°C, while maximum temperatures varied between 14°C and 23°C.

Una was the warmest location with a maximum of 23.2°C, while Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest at -8°C.

Shimla recorded a minimum temperature of 5°C, while Manali dipped to 2.7°C. Solan recorded 2.4°C, Kangra 5.5°C, Mandi 5.1°C, Bilaspur 7.5°C, Hamirpur 4°C, Sundernagar 3.7°C, Bhuntar 3°C, Kufri 3.1°C, Narkanda 2.4°C, Kalpa 0°C, Nahan 10.3°C, Reckong Peo 2.2°C and Paonta Sahib 10°C.