Himachal's Monsoon: Below Normal Rains Ahead

The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh is projected to be weaker than usual, with the majority of the state expected to receive below-normal rainfall between June 1 and September 30, according to meteorological officials.

While districts like Lahaul and Spiti are likely to receive above-average rainfall and Hamirpur, Kinnaur, and Chamba are expected to see normal precipitation, most of Himachal Pradesh will experience a drier monsoon this year. This is largely attributed to potential El Nino conditions impacting the weather patterns.

However, favorable rainfall could occur later in the season, aided by the positive shift of the Indian Ocean Dipole. Data from the past two decades indicate the state usually witnesses normal to below-normal rainfall, with a few exceptions showing significant excesses leading to extreme weather and disaster events.