Dharamshala, June 2 -- Himachal Pradesh has received 27% less rainfall with only 175 mm actual rainfall against a normal of 240.7 mm during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) - making it the 39th lowest rainfall since 1901.

The lowest rainfall was received in 2022 (63.8 mm) in the pre-monsoon season. Last year, 221.3 mm of rainfall (8% deficit) was received during the season, which was lower than the 286.9 mm of rainfall recorded in 2023.

According to the IMD's Shimla office, more than excess rainfall was recorded in Sirmaur, excess was recorded in Solan, meanwhile, district Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur received normal rainfall and Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur witnessed deficient rainfall.

While May and March...