Himachal Pradesh News
Bilaspur Becomes Himachal Pradesh’s Wettest District in Pre-Monsoon Season; Heavy Rain Alert Issued Till June 8
Bilaspur has emerged as the wettest district in Himachal Pradesh during the pre-monsoon season, recording an impressive 72% surplus rainfall between March and May, according to the latest data released by the Meteorological Centre in Shimla.
Bilaspur has emerged as the wettest district in Himachal Pradesh during the pre-monsoon season, recording an impressive 72% surplus rainfall between March and May, according to the latest data released by the Meteorological Centre in Shimla.
The district received 203.4 mm of rainfall, significantly higher than its normal seasonal average of 117.9 mm, making it the top-performing district in terms of rainfall surplus across the state.
Despite several districts receiving above-normal rainfall, Himachal Pradesh as a whole witnessed a 13% rainfall deficit during the pre-monsoon period. The state recorded 208.6 mm rainfall against the normal average of 240.7 mm, highlighting uneven rainfall distribution across different regions.
Una, Solan and Shimla Also Record Strong Rainfall Surplus
Following Bilaspur, Una registered the second-highest rainfall surplus, receiving 171.4 mm rainfall compared to its normal 102.7 mm.
Other districts that recorded notable rainfall surpluses include:
- Solan: 220.6 mm rainfall against 144.3 mm normal (+53%)
- Sirmaur: 184.3 mm against 126.1 mm (+46%)
- Shimla: 291.5 mm against 205.2 mm (+42%)
- Hamirpur: 173.6 mm against 130.3 mm (+33%)
- Mandi: 253.4 mm against 192.4 mm (+32%)
- Kangra: 219.8 mm against 189 mm (+16%)
Meteorologists say the above-normal rainfall in these districts could help improve soil moisture levels and provide support to agricultural activities ahead of the monsoon season.
Kullu Records Near-Normal Rainfall
Interestingly, Kullu was the only district where rainfall remained almost exactly at normal levels. The district recorded 283.7 mm rainfall, virtually identical to its seasonal average of 283.6 mm.
Kinnaur Becomes Driest District, Lahaul-Spiti Faces Major Deficit
While some districts experienced abundant rainfall, others continued to struggle with below-normal precipitation.
Kinnaur emerged as the driest district in Himachal Pradesh during the pre-monsoon season, registering a 47% rainfall deficit. The district received only 131.6 mm rainfall, compared to its normal average of 249.4 mm.
Similarly, Lahaul and Spiti recorded a 45% rainfall deficit, receiving 153.6 mm rainfall against the normal 279 mm.
Chamba also reported lower-than-normal rainfall, recording 257.5 mm against the normal 368.8 mm, resulting in a 30% deficit.
Weather Department Issues Rain and Thunderstorm Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall activity across Himachal Pradesh until June 8.
The weather office has issued Yellow Alerts for several districts from June 3 to June 6, warning residents about the possibility of:
- Heavy rainfall at isolated places
- Thunderstorms and lightning
- Gusty winds during storm activity
- Localized weather disruptions
Authorities have advised residents, tourists, and commuters to remain cautious, especially in hilly and vulnerable areas.
Temperatures Remain Above Normal Across Many Areas
Over the past 24 hours, many parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed light to moderate rainfall. However, daytime temperatures remained noticeably high, with maximum temperatures ranging 2°C to 7°C above normal in several regions.
Some of the key maximum temperatures recorded include:
- Shimla: 25°C
- Dharamshala: 31°C
- Kangra: 34.6°C
- Solan: 31.5°C
- Mandi: 35°C
- Sundernagar: 34.7°C
- Nahan: 33.2°C
- Chamba: 31.7°C
- Bhuntar: 34.2°C
Una was the hottest location in the state with a maximum temperature of 37°C, while Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti remained the coldest, recording a minimum temperature of 4.9°C.
