Sun Dec 01 01:46:38 UTC 2024: ## Himachal Pradesh Suffers Crippling Drought: November Rainfall at Historic Low
**Shimla, December 1st** – Himachal Pradesh experienced its third driest November in over a century, according to the state’s meteorological department. With a mere 0.2 mm of rainfall recorded, the state saw a staggering 99% deficit compared to the normal average of 19.7 mm.
This marks the third lowest November rainfall since 1901, the Met department announced in Shimla. While the highest November rainfall on record was 88.5 mm in 1925, the department did not disclose the years of the two drier Novembers preceding this year.
The drought impacted most of the state severely. Eleven out of twelve districts experienced a 100% rainfall deficit, with Lahaul and Spiti district recording a 96% deficit.
Despite the severe drought, temperatures remained relatively stable. Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature at -9.4°C, while Una experienced the highest maximum temperature of 26.6°C.
The weather department forecasts light rain or snow in isolated areas of Lahaul and Spiti, and higher reaches of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Kullu districts from December 1st to 3rd. The impact of this minimal precipitation on the state’s water resources and agriculture remains to be seen.
First Piper 