The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and a dip in temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi from July 2 onwards, as a fresh western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India. This will provide relief from the ongoing above-normal temperatures and isolated heatwave conditions.
Widespread Rainfall Expected from July 2 to July 4
According to an IMD bulletin issued on June 29, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely over Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi during July 2-4. Isolated to scattered rainfall is expected in these areas from June 29 to July 1 and again on July 5. The IMD also warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand until July 5.
In the past 24 hours, light rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds occurred at a few places in Punjab and Haryana. However, maximum and minimum temperatures in both states remained above normal. Kaithal, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Mahendergarh, Rewari, and Nuh districts in Haryana, as well as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Ropar districts in Punjab, received varying amounts of rain, as per the IMD bulletin.
Heatwave Conditions Persist but Relief in Sight
The IMD cautioned that heatwave conditions and warm nights are likely at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana on June 29 and 30. Despite intermittent pre-monsoon showers, rainfall for June so far has been below the long-period average by 41% in Punjab and 40% in Haryana. The IMD has termed the prevailing monsoon activity in both states as "weak."
However, the arrival of the western disturbance is expected to change this pattern. The IMD also predicted isolated hailstorm activity over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on June 30.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
The expected heavy rains could benefit farmers in the region, particularly for paddy transplantation and other kharif crops. However, the IMD has advised residents to be cautious of potential waterlogging, lightning, and gusty winds. The temperature dip will provide relief from the recent heatwave, with maximum temperatures likely to drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius in some areas.
