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Himachal's Wettest October in 20 Years: 173% Above Normal Rainfall Recorded

Himachal Pradesh just experienced its wettest October in two decades. The state received 68.5 mm of rainfall, which is 173% above the normal average. Sirmaur district recorded the highest rainfall at 96.9 mm, while Bilaspur showed the most dramatic deviation at 613% above normal. All twelve districts in the state reported large excess precipitation during October.

Key Points: Himachal Records Wettest October in Two Decades IMD Report

  • Himachal recorded 68.5 mm rainfall in October, 173% above normal average
  • Sirmaur district received highest rainfall at 96.9 mm, Kinnaur lowest at 37.6 mm
  • Bilaspur showed highest deviation with 613% above normal rainfall levels
  • All 12 districts experienced large excess precipitation during October month
2 min read

Himachal records wettest October in 20 years; receives 173% above normal rainfall: IMD

Himachal Pradesh experiences wettest October since 2005 with 173% above normal rainfall, highest in 20 years according to IMD Shimla data.

"The state recorded the 14th-highest October rainfall since 1901, and the highest since 2005 - India Meteorological Department"

Shimla, November 1

Himachal Pradesh experienced its wettest October in two decades, recording 68.5 mm of rainfall this year, 173% above the normal average of 25.1 mm, according to the monthly report issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla.

The state recorded the 14th-highest October rainfall since 1901, and the highest since 2005, when similar levels were observed. The all-time record for October rainfall remains 413.5 mm, as registered in 1955, according to the IMD statement issued on Friday.

District-wise data showed that Sirmaur received the highest rainfall at 96.9 mm, followed by Kangra (95.4 mm) and Solan (93.7 mm). Kinnaur recorded the lowest rainfall at 37.6 mm. Notably, Bilaspur registered the highest positive deviation of 613% from normal rainfall, while Kinnaur showed the lowest at 66%.

Rainfall activity was concentrated mainly in the first week of October, with vigorous weather on October 7 and 8. Extremely heavy rainfall was recorded at Naina Devi in Bilaspur (132.6 mm) and Solan (119.6 mm). Heavy rain was also reported from Wangtoo (Kinnaur - 88 mm), Kheri (Chamba - 79 mm), Pachhad (Sirmaur - 78.2 mm), and Kasauli (Solan - 68 mm).

The IMD noted that while the state saw normal rainfall on six days (October 1, 3, 5, 9, 22, and 24), active rain on one day (October 6), and vigorous activity on two days (October 7 and 8), dry weather prevailed for most of the month.

The report confirmed that all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh recorded "large excess precipitation" during October.

Looking ahead, the IMD forecast suggests light rain or snow at isolated places on November 4 and at a few places on November 5, while dry weather is expected to prevail across the state during the rest of the week.

The report was issued by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Bilaspur with 613% above normal rainfall! That's insane. Hope the apple farmers managed to save their crops. October rains can be devastating for the harvest season.
S
Sarah B
I was visiting Manali during the first week of October and had to cut my trip short. The roads became dangerous within hours. IMD's warnings were accurate though - they predicted this well.
A
Arjun K
While the data is impressive, I wish IMD would provide more localized forecasts. Tourists and locals need hour-by-hour updates in hill stations. The current system needs improvement.
M
Meera T
Good that the rainfall recharged groundwater levels after a dry monsoon. But the timing was terrible for agriculture. Our farmers in Himachal are really suffering this year. 🙏
D
David E
The contrast between districts is fascinating - from 613% excess in Bilaspur to 66% in Kinnaur. Shows how microclimates work in mountainous regions. Great data collection by IMD!

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