Himachal Pradesh Faces Water Woes as March Rainfall Falls Short

Himachal Pradesh has seen significantly less rainfall this March, with a 28% deficit from March 1 to March 28. Instead of the expected 105.7 mm, only 75.8 mm of rain fell across the state, raising concerns about water availability and rising temperatures.

Data from the Meteorological Center Shimla shows varying rainfall deficits across districts. Una experienced the steepest decline with 59% less rain than normal, followed by Chamba (55%), Lahaul-Spiti (41%), Kangra (36%), Hamirpur (35%), Kinnaur (34%), Bilaspur (33%), Solan (37%), and Sirmour (24%). However, some regions received more rain than usual: Kullu (27% more), Mandi (17% more), and Shimla (6% more).

The lack of rain has coincided with rising temperatures. On Thursday, Una recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 35°C, with other regions like Bilaspur (33.8°C), Kangra (32.8°C), Mandi (32.2°C), and Solan (30.5°C) also feeling the heat. Even higher altitudes saw warmer temperatures, with Shimla at 24.4°C and Manali at 23.8°C. Minimum temperatures on Friday ranged from a chilly 2.3°C in Kukumseri to a milder 18.0°C in Paonta Sahib.

The weather is expected to remain dry across Himachal Pradesh from March 28 to April 3, with clear skies forecast statewide. “The sun is shining brightly today, even in the capital Shimla,” a spokesperson from the Meteorological Center Shimla said. “With no significant rainfall expected, temperatures are likely to rise further in the coming days.”

Meteorologists predict a drop in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual increase of 2-4°C over the subsequent 2-3 days. Maximum temperatures are expected to hold steady for the next 3-4 days, with a slight rise of 2-3°C possible at isolated locations thereafter.

The dry weather follows recent snowfall that has left about 40 rural roads in Lahaul-Spiti impassable, disrupting vehicle movement in the region. Meanwhile, the plains and mountainous areas are grappling with increasing heat, a stark contrast to the snow-covered higher reaches just days ago.

As the state heads into April with no immediate relief from the dry conditions, residents and authorities are preparing for potential challenges, including water shortages and heightened wildfire risks, amid the unseasonably warm weather.