Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 10% rainfall deficit during the monsoon season so far, receiving 593.7 mm of rain against the normal 657.9 mm between June 1 and Sept 8.According to the weather department’s rainfall data, the shortfall has been particularly pronounced in the tribal and rain-shadow district of Lahaul-Spiti, which received only 124.2 mm against the normal 321.7 mm.Hamirpur is the second worst affected, recording 610.8 mm against 892.4 mm, a deficit of 32%. Mandi also remained significantly below normal with 843.9 mm against 1,011.9 mm, recording a 17% deficit, while Solan recorded a 13% shortfall after receiving 683.2 mm against the normal 784.3 mm.Chamba and Kangra, which are among the state’s wetter districts, recorded a 5% deficit each. Chamba received 742.7 mm against 780.1 mm, while Kangra recorded 1,426.3 mm against 1,502.2 mm. Una was 4% below normal at 842.2 mm against 876.9 mm.Shimla records highest surplus at 12%The rainfall deficit, however, has been uneven across the state, with several districts receiving more rain than normal. Shimla recorded the highest surplus at 12%, receiving 631.2 mm against 563.1 mm. Bilaspur and Kullu were 8% above normal, while Sirmaur recorded a 7% surplus.Kinnaur remained almost normal with 209.9 mm against 207.7 mm, a marginal 1% surplus.Despite excess rainfall in some districts, the substantial deficits in Lahaul-Spiti, Hamirpur, Mandi and Solan have pulled the state’s overall monsoon rainfall into the deficient category, said a weather official.The data also indicates a markedly uneven rainfall pattern across Himachal, with some of the state’s districts receiving relatively better rainfall than others.Light to moderate rain on Sept 13, 14Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at many places across Himachal on Sept 13 and 14, while rain is likely at a few places on Sept 12. Light rain is expected at isolated places on the remaining days of the week.There will likely be no major change in minimum temperatures over most parts of the state during the next three to four days, while maximum temperatures are expected to gradually rise by 2-3°C during the same period, said the weather department.64 roads blockedAs many as 64 roads remained blocked on Wednesday. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the highest number of roads, 31, remained closed in Mandi district, followed by 11 in Kullu, 10 in Kangra, five in Sirmaur, three in Una, two in Shimla and one each in Solan and Lahaul-Spiti districts.
