Himachal Pradesh has shattered a 76-year-old rainfall record in August 2025, recording the ninth highest August precipitation (431.3mm) since meteorological records began in 1901. This marks the heaviest August rainfall since 1949, with only 1927 recording higher precipitation at 542.4mm, according to data released by the Shimla Meteorological Centre.
The state recorded 431.3mm of rainfall in August against the normal expectation of 256.8mm, representing a massive 68% excess. District-wise analysis shows Kangra received the highest rainfall at 816.2mm while Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest at 129.7mm during the month.
Nine districts – Bilaspur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Una – received above-normal rainfall. Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur experienced significantly above-normal precipitation, while Lahaul-Spiti recorded normal rainfall levels.
Red alert continues across multiple districts
The meteorological department has forecast continued rainfall until September 7. Red alerts have been issued today for Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, while orange alerts are in effect for Hamirpur, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti.
For September 2, red alerts have been issued for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, with orange alerts for remaining districts. September 3 will see orange alerts for Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kinnaur districts. The department predicts normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of the state throughout September.
Heavy rainfall in past 24 hours
Recent 24-hour precipitation data shows intense rainfall across the state, with Nangal Dam and BBMB areas recording 220mm, followed by Raipur Plain (215mm), Naina Devi (192mm), Solan (187mm), and Nahan (177.8mm). Other significant recordings include Jaton Barrage (170mm), Kasauli (135mm), Dadahu (134mm), and Shimla (115.8mm).
Devastating human and economic toll
The ongoing monsoon season from June 20 to August 31 has resulted in catastrophic losses. The state has suffered property damage worth ₹30,568.433 crore, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in recent history.
Human casualties have mounted to 320 deaths during this monsoon period, with 379 people injured and 40 still missing. Road accidents during this period claimed 154 lives, highlighting the dangerous conditions created by continuous rainfall.
Infrastructure damage includes 4,569 houses and shops (both permanent and temporary structures) and 3,710 cattle sheds. The agricultural sector has been severely hit with 1,885 livestock deaths reported across affected areas.
The unprecedented rainfall pattern and resulting devastation underscore the increasing intensity of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region, posing significant challenges for disaster management and infrastructure resilience in the mountainous state.
