Punjab is enduring a surge in temperatures, with a sharp rise of 3.1°C in just 24 hours, pushing the mercury 4.3°C above the usual range. However, Punjab Weather is expected to change soon. As per the weather department, a western disturbance is set to bring some much-needed respite.
The Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert, predicting cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall over the next two days, February 19 and 20. This shift in weather is expected to offer a break from the sweltering heat.
Temperature to Drop by up to 3°C
While the ongoing rise in temperatures has been driven by the western disturbance and cloud cover, the upcoming rainfall is likely to cool things down by as much as 3°C. Additionally, nearby Himachal Pradesh is expected to see rain and snowfall, which could further change the weather in Punjab. With cooler temperatures forecasted after February 20, residents can finally look forward to a welcome break from the heatwave.
IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Rainfall in North India, Impacting Rabi Crops
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted that rainfall in north India between January and March would be below normal, at less than 86% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 184.3 mm. This weather pattern could affect agricultural productivity, particularly for states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, which are major producers of rabi crops such as wheat, peas, gram, and barley.
Winter rainfall, largely driven by western disturbances, plays a critical role in supporting the rabi crop cycle. The absence of adequate rainfall during this period could lead to challenges for farmers as they prepare for harvest in the coming months.