Himachal Pradesh ended the 2026 monsoon with an 11 per cent rainfall deficit, the India Meteorological Department said, raising concerns over water and power supply.

The state received 652.3 mm of rain against a normal of 734.4 mm. It was the 41st lowest monsoon rainfall in the state since 1901. The monsoon withdrew on October 3, eight days later than normal.

Lahaul-Spiti was the worst hit with about 65 per cent below-normal rain, followed by Hamirpur at 34 per cent. Kinnaur and Shimla got above-normal rain.

The shortfall has hit hydropower. Generation at several projects has fallen by up to 20 per cent for want of water, forcing the state power board to buy costlier electricity from outside. Shimla has seen peak-hour cuts.

The IMD said the monsoon arrived late on June 30 and withdrew late this year.

Nationally, the 2026 monsoon brought 759.4 mm of rain, 87.4 per cent of normal, making it the fourth-lowest since 2001 and the first deficient monsoon since 2015. Kangra received the most rain in Himachal at 658 mm.