November turns out third driest month in over 100 years

Himachal Pradesh received the third lowest rainfall this November in the last 124 years, starting from 1901. Against the normal rainfall of 19.7 mm, the state logged just 0.2 mm precipitation, a deviation of minus 99 per cent from the normal rainfall in November. Except for the district of Lahaul and Spiti, which received 0.9 mm precipitation, all other 11 districts went completely dry this month.

In the last 14 years, since 2010, November has seen less than normal rainfall on eleven occasions. The state received more than normal rainfall for three consecutive years from 2018-2020. Other than that, the rain has been deficient. In 2016, the month of November received no rainfall at all – it’s the only year in the last 14 years when November recorded lower rainfall than this November.

Incidentally, the month of October was also highly rain deficient. It recorded minus 97 per cent less rainfall than normal. With two back-to-back months going practically dry, the dry spell has become a cause of concern, especially for the farmers. The dry spell has delayed the sowing of wheat in many areas and, as per the experts, the late sowing will affect the overall quality as well as quantity of the produce. Besides, the dry spell has started affecting drinking water supply schemes as well with the reduced water levels.

Meanwhile, there’s a possibility of light rain and snowfall at isolated places over Lahaul and Spiti and higher reaches of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts up to December 3. In the plains and low hills, the weather is likely to be dry over the next six-seven days.