Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The southwest monsoon has lost momentum in Himachal Pradesh, with the state recording a 56% shortfall in rainfall over the past week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast predominantly dry weather for the next six days, with temperatures likely to climb further.
Between September 3 and 10, Himachal received only 17.5 mm of rain, against the normal average of 40 mm for the period.
The rainfall deficit has also widened the overall gap for the monsoon season. From June 1 to September 10, the state has received 11% less rainfall than normal.
Mercury likely to climb further
The prolonged lack of significant rainfall is expected to push temperatures higher. The IMD has forecast a rise of around 2 to 3°C over the next two days, adding to the discomfort in lower-altitude areas.
Temperatures in several cities are already running 3 to 6°C above normal, while the state’s average maximum temperature is currently 3.2°C above the seasonal average.
Keylong has recorded the largest departure among the locations mentioned, with the mercury touching 24.8°C, which is 5.8°C above normal.
In Una, the maximum temperature reached 36°C, around 3.6°C above normal. The combination of heat and humidity has made daytime conditions particularly uncomfortable across the plains.
No major rain warning until September 16
The weather department has not issued any rainfall warning for any district through September 16.
Although isolated locations could witness light to moderate showers between September 12 and 16, the overall weather pattern is expected to remain dry and mostly clear. Sunny conditions are likely to dominate across much of the state during the coming days.
The absence of widespread rain could further increase daytime temperatures, particularly in the lower and mid-hill regions.
Monsoon damage crosses ₹1,600 crore
While the current spell has turned relatively dry, the monsoon season has already caused substantial damage across Himachal Pradesh.
From June 1 to September 10, rain-related incidents have resulted in losses estimated at ₹1,638 crore to public and private property, according to the figures provided.
The Public Works Department has borne the largest share of the losses, with damage estimated at approximately ₹1,218 crore.
With the monsoon now weakening and another extended dry spell forecast, attention is likely to remain on temperature trends as well as the impact of the rainfall deficit across the state.
