SHIMLA, June 3: Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive more than normal rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season, with a likely early onset by nearly a week, according to the Meteorological Department.
“There is a 32 per cent probability of above-normal rainfall this monsoon, while the chances of deficient and below-normal precipitation stand at just two and eight per cent, respectively,” said a weather department official. The average monsoon rainfall in the state is 734.4 mm.
The monsoon is likely to arrive six to seven days before its usual date of June 25. “Monsoon has already hit Kerala eight days earlier than the normal date. So, we are expecting an early arrival in Himachal as well,” the official added.
In the past three years, monsoon has reached the state once on the normal date and twice later. In 2021, however, the rains arrived as early as June 13.
For the month of June, rainfall is also expected to be above normal across most regions. The usual rainfall for June in the state is 101.1 mm.
The temperature outlook for June suggests that maximum temperatures will likely be above normal in many areas, except in some parts of the high and adjoining mid hills, where they are expected to remain near normal. Minimum temperatures are projected to stay above normal across most regions. Additionally, the state is likely to experience normal to below-normal occurrences of heatwave days.
While the surplus rainfall is expected to benefit agriculture, horticulture, and water resources, it may also lead to hazards such as flash floods, landslides, and disruptions to essential services including transportation, electricity, and water supply.
