Bathinda: Despite the Southwest Monsoon drenching large parts of the country, Punjab continues to grapple with a rainfall deficit, while neighbouring Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have recorded near-normal monsoon rainfall since June 1. Punjab has recorded a 28% rainfall deficit from June 1 till the morning of July 10, receiving 70.4 mm of rain against the normal 97.2 mm. In contrast, Haryana logged 6% excess rainfall, receiving 98.1 mm against the normal 92.9 mm, while Himachal Pradesh recorded 1% excess rainfall, with 170.6 mm against the normal 168.9 mm. A rainfall departure of up to 19% — either deficient or excess — is considered normal.However, during the first 10 days of July, Punjab’s rainfall deficit narrowed to 3%, which falls within the normal range. The state received 41.5 mm of rain against the normal 42.7 mm during the period. In contrast, Haryana recorded 55% excess rainfall, receiving 59.1 mm against the normal 38.2 mm, while Himachal Pradesh logged 50% excess rainfall, with 101.4 mm against the normal 67.8 mm.With the Southwest Monsoon strengthening over north India, rainfall activity is expected to intensify across the region in the coming days.Meanwhile, heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) has been recorded in Punjab and Haryana over the last 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by squally/gusty winds of 40-60 kmph lashed isolated parts of Punjab and Haryana.As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated to scattered rainfall is likely over Haryana and Punjab during July 10-16. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Punjab during July 10-13 and in Haryana during July 11-13; with isolated and very heavy rainfall also likely over Haryana on July 10.
