Himachal Pradesh records highest rainfall in August since 1949, rain to continue in September
Kangra district saw the highest rainfall at 816.2 mm, while Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest at 129.7 mm.
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Kangra topped among districts in rainfall, while Kullu recorded the maximum departure from normal rainfall levels. (PTI Photo)Himachal Pradesh experienced an exceptionally wet August, recording 431.3 mm of rainfall, the ninth-highest since 1901 and the heaviest precipitation for the month in 76 years. The last time the state saw comparable rainfall in August was in 1949, while the record for the month stands at 542.4 mm (1927).
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Shimla forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall in most parts of the state in September.
According to IMD data, Himachal Pradesh received 68 per cent excess rainfall during August, against the normal average of 256.8 mm. Several districts experienced widespread precipitation, with vigorous activity on August 25 and 26, and normal to active activity on many other days. Only five days saw weak activity during the month.
Kangra topped among districts in rainfall, while Kullu recorded the maximum departure from normal rainfall levels. District-wise data shows that Kangra received the highest rainfall (816.2 mm), while Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest (129.7 mm). However, in terms of percentage departure from normal, Kullu topped the list with a 165 per cent increase, while Lahaul-Spiti registered the lowest positive departure at 10 per cent.
According to the rainfall distribution pattern, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Una received large excess rainfall; districts Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur received excess rainfall, and Lahaul-Spiti received normal rainfall in August.
The month also witnessed multiple extreme weather events, with Una recording an unprecedented 222.8 mm rainfall in a single day (August 2). Other significant events included very heavy rain: Chuari (Chamba) – 118 mm (August 1); Amb (Una) – 154.8 mm and Bilaspur Sadar – 120.8 mm (August 2); Mandi – 151.2 mm (August 5); Kasauli (Solan) – 145 mm (August 6); Nagrota Surian (Kangra) – 180.2 mm (August 12); Pachhad (Sirmaur) – 153.2 mm (August 14); Naina Devi (Bilaspur) – 160.6 mm (August 16); and multiple stations reporting 140–190 mm on August 25–26.
Similarly, high rainfall was recorded at several stations, including Bhareri (Hamirpur) – 108.2 mm (August 3), Bijahi (Mandi) – 105.6 mm (August 5), Rajgarh (Sirmaur) – 102 mm (August 14), and Jogindarnagar (Mandi) – 106 mm (August 15).
Officials attributed the high rainfall to active monsoon systems and multiple western disturbances, warning that the trend has increased the risk of landslides and flash floods across the state.
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