Bathinda: Unseasonal rain continued to lash Punjab and Haryana over the last 24 hours, leaving large quantities of purchased wheat exposed in grain markets.Punjab recorded a massive 389% rainfall excess between Monday and Tuesday, receiving 2.0 mm against the normal 0.4 mm. The first five days of May have been unusually wet for the region. Haryana has seen the highest cumulative spike with 325% excess rain, followed by Punjab at 92% and Himachal Pradesh at 35%. The rain has been accompanied by high-velocity winds. In Punjab, Bathinda recorded wind speeds of 72 kmph, while Ferozepur and Mohali saw speeds of 52 kmph. Due to the persistent cloud cover and rain, maximum temperatures have remained “markedly below normal” by more than 5 degrees Celsius, with most areas staying at or below 36 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures have hovered between 13 and 19 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), relief may be short-lived. While temperatures are expected to rise by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius till May 9, a fresh western disturbance is predicted to bring another spell of rain to Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh on May 10 and 11. MSID:: 130825923 413 |
