Five districts in Himachal Pradesh recorded below-average rainfall during July, the first month of the ongoing monsoon season, even as the state as a whole received eight per cent excess rainfall.
According to the state's Meteorological Centre, Himachal Pradesh received 275.6 mm of rainfall in July against the normal 255.9 mm. This means the state overall saw more rain than usual, but the distribution was uneven across districts.
Which Himachal districts recorded rain deficit in July
Hamirpur was the driest district, recording a 44 per cent rainfall deficit, with 184.9 mm of rainfall against the normal 328.5 mm. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti recorded a 43 per cent deficit, receiving 75.4 mm against 131.5 mm.
Other districts with below-average rains include:
- Mandi — 17 per cent deficit (319.7 mm against 386.5 mm)
- Kangra — 7 per cent deficit (546.2 mm against 589.3 mm)
- Bilaspur — 1 per cent deficit (270.2 mm against 272.2 mm)
On the other hand, seven districts recorded above-average rainfall during the same period, according to The Tribune.
Heavy showers forecast for Himachal till August 6
The Meteorological Centre has issued a forecast for heavy showers across the state, with rainfall expected to continue until August 6. This comes as a relief for the five districts that faced deficits, though the impact will depend on how the rain is distributed.
The forecast suggests that the ongoing wet spell could help narrow the gap in districts that received less rain in July. However, the Met office has not specified which districts are likely to receive the heaviest rainfall in the coming days.
What the July rainfall data means for Himachal
The mixed picture — excess rain at the state level but deficits in five districts — highlights how monsoon patterns can vary sharply even within a single state. For farmers and residents in Hamirpur, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Bilaspur, the deficit could affect water availability and crop health if the shortfall continues.
The heavy showers expected until August 6 may provide some relief, but the long-term impact will depend on whether August brings adequate rainfall to these districts.
Our Take: Uneven monsoon needs district-level attention
To put it plainly, the state-level figure of eight per cent excess rainfall hides a worrying reality. Five districts — including Hamirpur with a 44 per cent deficit — are not getting the rain they need. This is a reminder that monsoon data must be read at the district level, not just at the state level.
The forecast of heavy showers till August 6 is good news, but it is not a guarantee that the deficit districts will benefit. Rain can be patchy, and a single wet spell may not be enough to make up for a month of shortfall. In our view, the state should monitor these five districts closely and prepare for potential water stress if the deficit continues into August.
For residents in these areas, the coming week offers a chance to recharge water sources. But the bigger question is whether the monsoon will even out by the end of the season — and that remains uncertain.