Dharamshala, Feb. 3 -- Himachal Pradesh recorded an 84% rainfall deficit in January as it received only 13.3 mm of actual rainfall against a normal of 85.3 mm, marking the ninth lowest January rainfall since 1901. The lowest January rainfall on record was in 1966, with just 0.3 mm.

Notably, all districts in Himachal Pradesh experienced a significant precipitation deficit in January this year. While Lahaul-Spiti received the highest precipitation (23.3 mm), Una and Hamirpur districts recorded the highest rainfall departure with a 95% deficit compared to normal.

Kangra and Bilaspur districts recorded a deficit of 94% each while Kinnaur and Solan saw 93% each, followed by 88% deficit in Chamba, 85% in Mandi and 82% in Shimla district.

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