Himachal Pradesh records unprecedented November heat amid dry spell

Himachal Pradesh continues to experience rising temperatures due to dry weather. Recent India Meteorological Department (MeT) station data reported record-breaking maximum temperatures of 29.0°C in Solan and 27.6°C in Dharamshala. However, the previous highest records for November in these areas were not disclosed.

Day temperatures across the state were four to nine degrees above normal. Hamirpur reported the highest temperature at 35.5°C, which is 8.6°C higher than average for this time of year. In the Lahaul and Spiti district, Keylong saw an unseasonably warm high of 19.2°C, exceeding the norm by 9.2°C.

Tourist hotspots Shimla and Manali experienced temperatures of 23.2°C and 21.8°C, respectively, which were 4.1°C and 2.6°C above average for November. The MeT office forecasts continued dry weather in the state until at least November 9.

The state’s dry conditions follow a very dry October, the third driest in 123 years. Himachal Pradesh recorded a 97% rainfall deficit, receiving just 0.7 mm compared to the typical 25.1 mm.

Districts Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Chamba had no rainfall. Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti reported 99% below-normal rainfall, while Kinnaur had a 98% shortfall. Kangra, Mandi, and Una had deficits of 94%, 83%, and 54%, respectively. The highest October rainfall was in 1955, with 413.5 mm.

IMD weather alerts for other regions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from November 5 to 6.

Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, and Karaikal from November 8 to 10, and South Interior Karnataka may experience similar weather.

The IMD indicated the rest of the country will have stable weather. Northeast Uttar Pradesh may face moderate to dense fog in isolated areas during early mornings on November 5.

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