Dharamsala records highest rainfall in a decade, India

The city of Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh received the highest 24 hours rainfall in last 10 years on August 1 and 2, 2016.

According to SkyMetWeather, the city received 207.6 mm (8.17 inches) of rain from 08:30 local time on August 1 to 08:30 on August 2. This is considered to be the highest rainfall the city experienced in the last 10 years. During the same time frame on Sunday, July 31 and Monday, August 1, the city saw 174 mm (6.85 inches).

SkyMet Meteorologists said the main reason for these sharp spells can be attributed to the development of convecting clouds.

"Back to back, Western Disturbances are passing over Jammu & Kashmir affecting weather of Himachal Pradesh as well. However, not all the districts of the state are affected by these heavy showers. Kullu recorded 12.3 mm (0.5 inches) rains, Nahan recorded 17 mm (0.66 inches) and 11 mm (0.43 inches) spells were observed over Chamba."

Sometimes, cumulonimbus cloud develops over hilly regions and at times its movement is restricted due to weak upper winds and hilly terrains.

"Due to this, most of the water content available gets depleted over a short area resulting in hefty rainfall over a place which is exactly what happened at Dharamsala," SkyMet said.

Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP / VIIRS. Acquired: August 1, 2016