Himachal Pradesh experienced a 13 per cent deficit in rainfall during the pre-monsoon season from March to May, according to data from the State Meteorological Centre. Despite this shortfall, Bilaspur district emerged as the wettest in the state, recording a remarkable 72 per cent surplus rainfall.
Bilaspur Leads with Surplus Rainfall
Bilaspur received 203.4 mm of rain against a normal of 117.9 mm, making it the wettest district during the pre-monsoon season. Una followed as the second wettest, with 171.4 mm against 102.7 mm, marking a surplus of 67 per cent. Other districts with above-normal rainfall include Solan (53 per cent surplus with 220.6 mm), Sirmour (46 per cent surplus with 184.3 mm), Shimla (42 per cent surplus with 291.5 mm), Hamirpur (33 per cent surplus with 173.6 mm), Mandi (32 per cent surplus with 253.4 mm), and Kangra (16 per cent surplus with 219.8 mm).
Kullu was the only district to receive normal rainfall, recording 283.7 mm against a normal of 283.6 mm.
Deficit in Several Districts
Despite the surplus in some areas, the state overall recorded 208.6 mm against a normal of 240.7 mm, a deficit of 13 per cent. Chamba saw a 30 per cent deficit with 257.5 mm against 368.8 mm. Lahaul and Spiti recorded a 45 per cent deficit with 153.6 mm against 279 mm. Kinnaur was the driest district, with a 47 per cent deficit, receiving only 131.6 mm against a normal of 249.4 mm.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The meteorological centre has predicted continuous rainfall across the state until June 8. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for several districts from June 3 to June 6, with expectations of heavy thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated areas.
In the past 24 hours, light to moderate rain was observed in many parts of Himachal. Minimum temperatures were normal, while maximum temperatures were 2°C to 7°C above normal. Key temperatures recorded include Shimla 25°C, Dharamshala 31°C, Kangra 34.6°C, Solan 31.5°C, Mandi 35°C, Sundernagar 34.7°C, Kufri 19.5°C, Kalpa 21.4°C, Nahan 33.2°C, Keylong 22°C, Chamba 31.7°C, and Bhuntar 34.2°C.
The highest maximum temperature in the state was 37°C in Una, while the lowest minimum was 4.9°C in Kukumseri, Lahaul and Spiti district.
