Shimla, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the southwest monsoon has officially withdrawn from Himachal Pradesh as of October 3, 2026. This marks a departure from the usual withdrawal date of September 25. The state recorded its 41st lowest rainfall since 1901 during this monsoon season.
The monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 30, a week later than the typical date of June 25. By July 1, it had spread across the entire state. Throughout the monsoon season, which spans from June to September, the state saw a total of 652.3 mm of rainfall, falling short of the normal 734.4 mm by approximately 11 percent.
While districts such as Kinnaur, Una, Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan experienced average rainfall, Hamirpur reported below-average precipitation, and the remote Lahaul-Spiti district recorded significantly low levels.
This year’s monsoon rainfall of 652.3 mm ranks as the 41st lowest in the past 125 years. The highest recorded rainfall during this period was 1,314.6 mm in 1922. The IMD noted that August saw varying rainfall activity, with significant rainfall on several days including August 5, 15, and 19, while other days experienced a decrease in monsoon intensity.
In August alone, the state recorded 212.5 mm of rain, which is 17 percent below the normal of 256.8 mm. Kangra district received the most rain, totaling 658.0 mm, while Lahaul-Spiti saw the least at just 27.8 mm. Sirmaur district reported the highest positive deviation with 17 percent more rain than average, whereas Lahaul-Spiti faced the largest negative deviation at a staggering 76 percent below normal.
This year’s monsoon season highlights the significant regional disparities in rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, raising concerns about water resources and agricultural impacts in the coming months.
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