Shimla, May 31
Himachal Pradesh recorded a 13 percent rainfall deficit during the pre-monsoon season from March 1 to May 31, with the state receiving 210.3 mm of rainfall against the normal 240.7 mm, according to the Meteorological Department.
The Shimla Meteorological Center said the ongoing wet spell is likely to continue across the state till June 6. Several parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed light to moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours.
Data shared by the weather department showed that eight out of the 12 districts in the state received excess rainfall during the pre-monsoon period, while four districts recorded a deficit.
Bilaspur reported the highest excess rainfall at 77 percent, followed by Una at 72 percent, Solan at 53 percent, Sirmaur at 47 percent, and Shimla at 44 percent. Hamirpur and Mandi recorded 34 percent excess rainfall each, while Kangra registered 16 percent above normal rainfall.
Among the districts facing rainfall deficit, Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur recorded the highest shortfall at 44 percent each. Chamba recorded 31 percent below-normal rainfall, while Kullu recorded a marginal deficit of 1 percent.
The department said Himachal Pradesh received an average rainfall of 52.2 mm in May, against the normal of 62.3 mm, marking an 18 percent deficit for the month.
Naina Devi recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 46.4 mm. Other areas that received significant rainfall included Malraon with 34.2 mm, Sarahan with 28.5 mm, Berthin with 22.6 mm, and Paonta Sahib with 20.4 mm.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning were also reported from Shimla, Jubberhatti, Sundernagar, Kangra, Jot, and Murari Devi.
Meanwhile, Kukumseri remained the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 33.4 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has advised people to remain cautious as wet weather activity is expected to continue in several parts of the state over the coming days.
