Severe Weather Continues to Batter Punjab, Wreaking Havoc on Wheat Harvest
For the second consecutive day, Punjab has been lashed by relentless rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms, exacerbating the destruction of standing wheat crops across multiple districts. The adverse conditions have left farmers reeling as their already vulnerable harvest faces fresh devastation.
Widespread Impact Across Key Agricultural Regions
Light to moderate rainfall was reported in several critical areas including Bathinda, Moga, Muktsar, and Amritsar. However, the situation was particularly dire in the Dharmkot subdivision of Moga district, where villages such as Karyal, Bajeke, Bakarwala, and Rehrwan were pummeled by intense hailstorms. Abohar also experienced significant hailstorm activity, adding to the agricultural distress.
The combination of rain, hail, and gusty winds has inflicted new damage on wheat fields, especially in Dharmkot villages. Local farmers report that the crop had already been weakened by previous weather episodes, making it more susceptible to this latest onslaught.
Meteorological Data Reveals Alarming Rainfall Excess
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall figures for the region are staggering:
- Punjab: Recorded 285% excess rainfall in the 24-hour period from April 3 to April 4, receiving 2.7 mm against a normal of 0.7 mm.
- Haryana: Clocked 272% excess rainfall with 2.2 mm against a normal of 0.6 mm.
- Himachal Pradesh: Recorded 285% excess rain, receiving 9.2 mm compared to the normal 2.4 mm.
From April 1 to the morning of April 4, the excess rainfall was even more pronounced:
- Punjab recorded 418% excess rainfall (7.8 mm against a normal of 1.5 mm).
- Haryana received 264% above normal rainfall (6.0 mm).
- Himachal Pradesh logged 69% above normal rainfall (12.0 mm).
Wind Speeds and Temperature Records
The weather disturbance was characterized by strong winds across the region:
- Wind speeds generally ranged between 30 and 50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph in some locations.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds of 50 to 80 kmph occurred at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
- Specific gust records included 56 kmph at Mohali and Sangrur, 50 kmph at Bathinda, 46 kmph at Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, 44 kmph at Jind, and 59 kmph at Neri in Himachal Pradesh.
Bathinda recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the plains at 14.6°C, adding to the challenging conditions for crops and farmers alike.
IMD Issues Warning of Continued Disruption
The India Meteorological Department has cautioned that the weather disruption is not over. Another fresh wet spell is anticipated, with isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds expected over Punjab and Haryana on April 7 and 8. Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience scattered to fairly widespread rainfall or snowfall on April 9.
This forecast raises concerns about further damage to agricultural output and the livelihoods of farmers who are already grappling with significant losses from the current weather events.
