7 Himachal districts record over 100 per cent surplus rainfall in first 11 days of May
Despite being the peak summer season, Himachal Pradesh is witnessing significant rainfall, with seven districts recording more than 100 per cent surplus rain.
According to data from the Shimla Meteorological Centre, the state recorded 34 per cent surplus rainfall during the first 12 days of May. Himachal Pradesh received 35.5 mm rainfall against the normal average of 26.5 mm during the period.
With 40.5 mm rainfall against the normal 13.4 mm, Una has emerged as the wettest district in the state, recording a staggering 202 per cent surplus rainfall so far this month.
Similarly, Sirmaur recorded 166 per cent surplus rainfall with 46 mm rain against the normal 17.3 mm, while Hamirpur registered 142 per cent surplus rainfall after receiving 40.6 mm rain against the normal 16.8 mm.
Shimla recorded 134 per cent surplus rainfall, receiving 73.5 mm rain against the normal 31.4 mm. Kangra recorded 131 per cent surplus with 51.1 mm rainfall against 22.1 mm, Bilaspur registered 117 per cent surplus with 30.4 mm rainfall against 14 mm, while Mandi recorded 114 per cent surplus after receiving 56 mm rain against the normal 26.2 mm.
Additionally, Kullu reported 52 per cent surplus rainfall with 45.6 mm rain against 30 mm, while Solan recorded 39 per cent excess rainfall with 28.1 mm precipitation against the normal 20.2 mm.
On the other hand, three districts witnessed below-average rainfall. Chamba recorded a 16 per cent rainfall deficit after receiving 31.7 mm rain against the average 37.5 mm. Tribal district Kinnaur witnessed a 28 per cent deficit, recording 20.5 mm rain against the normal 28.6 mm.
Lahaul and Spiti emerged as the driest district with a 52 per cent rainfall deficit, receiving only 12 mm rainfall against the normal 25.1 mm.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast continuous rainfall accompanied by hailstorms in the state till May 16, for which orange and yellow alerts have been issued.
While weather conditions are expected to remain dry in the plains and middle hills on May 17, precipitation is likely to continue in the higher reaches. Dry weather is expected across the state from May 18 onwards.
Meanwhile, light rainfall continued in several parts of the state during the past 24 hours, resulting in a drop of 2°C to 5°C in temperatures.
The maximum temperature recorded in Shimla was 24.5°C, Dharamshala 30°C, Manali 23.4°C, Kangra 32.6°C, Mandi 33.2°C, Solan 29°C, Sundernagar 33.5°C, Nahan 31.3°C, Kufri 17.9°C, Bhuntar 29.5°C, Chamba 28.4°C and Kalpa 20.4°C.
Una was the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 35.6°C, while Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest, recording a minimum temperature of 1.3°C.