Monsoon soon to depart from Himachal with 18 pc deficit, monsoon normal this year: IMD

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India] , October 3 (ANI) The southwest monsoon which set over Himachal Pradesh on June 27 has partly receded from the state and is likely to withdraw completely in the matter of a day or two, India Meteorological Department cumulative weather database claimed on Wednesday.

Senior Weather Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma said, "Despite an overall 18 per cent rain deficit, the season has been classified as normal for the state. Shimla recorded the highest rainfall at 15 per cent above normal, while the district of Lahaul-Spiti experienced a staggering 69 per cent rainfall deficit."Sharma said that the monsoon will recede from Himachal Pradesh in a matter of a day or two. "The monsoon rain was 18 per cent less in the state, but this is considered within the normal range. The districts of Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra experienced normal rainfall. On the other hand, Chamba, Hamirpur, Solan, Una, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti saw below-normal rainfall. Notably, Shimla recorded the highest with 15 per cent extra rainfall, while Lahaul-Spiti faced the lowest, with a 69 per cent deficit," he added.

Sharma further explained the monthly breakdown of rainfall, stating, "In June, there was 54 per cent less rainfall, July saw a 57 per cent deficit, and August witnessed a near-normal situation with only 5 per cent less than usual. September saw a slight improvement, with rainfall 4 per cent above normal. Overall, the monsoon season was normal in the state."Looking ahead, he said, "On October 5 and 8, the high-altitude regions of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti will experience some rainfall, but overall the weather will remain stable over the next five days. Temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees in the plains during the next three to four days, with daytime temperatures remaining 2 to 3 degrees above normal in the state." (ANI)