It has been a virtually dry July this year in Himachal Pradesh with the hill state recording 45 per cent less rainfall than normal, the weatherman said Sunday.
“Out of the twelve districts ten have received deficient rain, with Lahaul & Spiti district receiving 97 per cent deficient rainfall, while Shimla,Bilaspur and Una being the driest,” said Manmohan Singh, director Indian Meteorological Department here.
Last year the state recorded 7 per cent excess rainfall in July,while it was 32 per cent less in 2009.
“Only two of the twelve districts Sirmaur and Kinnaur received 20 per cent excess rainfall this time,” he said.
Apple farmers say the inadequate rainfall this time has affected the quality of the crop and is delaying the maturing and fruit development.
Even during June 1 to July 31 the rainfall has been 22 per cent deficient despite June remaining wet most of the time.
Forecasting for the next week the weather office says the monsoon trough will remain north of its normal position during this period.