Himachal sees record-breaking October rain, wettest month in two decades

Himachal Pradesh recorded its wettest October in 20 years, receiving 68.5 mm of rainfall against the usual 25.1 mm. This made it the 14th highest October rainfall since 1901 and the highest since 2005. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall this year was much higher than normal across all 12 districts of the state.

The IMD also reported that Bilaspur district saw the highest positive departure from normal rainfall — an increase of 613%. Sirmaur, Solan, and Kangra were among the districts that received the most rainfall. Experts say this year’s unusual rain was caused by a combination of active weather systems and strong western disturbances during the first week of October.

Rainfall data across districts

The IMD report showed that Sirmaur district recorded the highest rainfall at 96.9 mm, followed by Solan (93.7 mm) and Kangra (95.4 mm). Kinnaur, however, received the least rainfall at 37.6 mm. Despite this, every district in the state saw “large excess precipitation,” meaning that all regions recorded far more rain than usual.

Bilaspur district stood out for its massive rise in rainfall — 613% above normal. Even Kinnaur, which had the lowest rainfall amount, recorded a 66% increase from the average for October. The IMD noted that most of the rain fell in the first week of the month, with especially heavy downpours on October 7 and 8.

During these two days, some stations reported very heavy rainfall. For example, Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded 132.6 mm, and Solan received 119.6 mm. Other areas like Wangtoo (Kinnaur – 88 mm), Kheri (Chamba – 79 mm), Pachhad (Sirmaur – 78.2 mm), and Kasauli (Solan – 68 mm) also reported strong rainfall activity.

This intense spell was short-lived but impactful. The IMD said that out of the 31 days in October, most were dry. Rainfall activity was normal on six days (October 1, 3, 5, 9, 22, and 24), active on one day (October 6), and vigorous on two days (October 7 and 8). These two days accounted for the majority of the month’s rainfall.

Comparing past records and current pattern

According to the IMD, Himachal Pradesh has seen such high rainfall only a few times in history. The highest-ever October rainfall was recorded in 1955, when the state received a massive 413.5 mm. Since then, October rainfall levels have varied, but the 2025 figure marks a sharp rise compared to recent years. The last time Himachal experienced such wet conditions in October was in 2005.

Meteorologists explained that the rainfall pattern this year was influenced by western disturbances, which are weather systems bringing moisture from the Mediterranean region. These disturbances often trigger rain or snow in northern India, particularly in hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh.

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The IMD also observed that this year’s monsoon withdrawal was delayed, keeping humidity and cloud cover high during October. As a result, even small weather disturbances led to significant rainfall. Experts suggest that changing climate patterns could also be making rainfall more intense and unpredictable in the Himalayan region.

This unusual increase in rainfall has both positive and negative sides. On one hand, it replenished water sources and improved soil moisture for winter crops. On the other, it caused temporary disruptions in hilly areas, including landslides and waterlogging in some places. Roads in parts of Solan and Sirmaur were briefly affected by water accumulation, though no major damage was reported.

IMD forecast for early November

The IMD’s latest forecast for Himachal Pradesh suggests that the coming days will mostly remain dry, with only light rain or snow expected in a few areas. Light rain or snow may occur at isolated places on November 4, and at a few more places on November 5. After that, the weather is likely to stay mostly clear during the rest of the first week of November.

Experts say that this dry spell will help stabilise the soil and reduce the risk of further landslides. Temperatures, however, are expected to start dropping gradually as winter approaches. High-altitude regions such as Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur could see their first round of snowfall soon.

Overall, this October has gone down in the record books for Himachal Pradesh as one of the wettest in decades. With 68.5 mm of rainfall — nearly three times the average — it has shown how rapidly weather conditions in the Himalayan region can change.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring rainfall and temperature trends to understand whether such extreme patterns are becoming more frequent due to global climate changes. For now, Himachal residents can expect calmer skies in November after one of the rainiest Octobers in 20 years.