Bathinda: Aided by recent widespread rainfall, Punjab and Haryana recorded excess rainfall again on Wednesday, marking a significant meteorological event in the region. Till 8.30am, Punjab had recorded a staggering 386% excess rainfall, as it received 6.8mm of rain against a normal of 1.4mm. Haryana recorded 341% excess rain, with 4.4mm received compared to a normal of 1mm, highlighting the intensity of the precipitation.
IMD Forecasts More Storms and Snowfall
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), another western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of Jan 30. Under its influence, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, is likely over the Western Himalayan region and adjoining plains of northwest India on Feb 1. Isolated heavy rainfall and snowfall is specifically predicted over Himachal Pradesh on Feb 1, raising concerns for local communities and travelers.
Dense Fog and Cold Conditions Prevail
Meanwhile, dense fog prevailed in isolated pockets of Punjab and Haryana, severely impacting visibility. Reports indicated visibility of less than 50m in Bathinda, 150m in Faridkot, 190m in Ludhiana, 40m in Chandigarh, and 50m in Haryana's Narnaul. Isolated hailstorm activity was also recorded over both states, adding to the weather disruptions.
In terms of temperatures, Amritsar in Punjab was the coldest, with a minimum temperature of 3.7°C, while Bhiwani in Haryana recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 5.5°C. As per the IMD, dense fog conditions are likely to persist during night-time hours over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh till Jan 31. Additionally, cold wave conditions are expected in isolated pockets from Jan 29-31, posing health risks and affecting daily life.
This combination of excess rainfall, fog, and cold waves underscores the volatile weather patterns in the region, with authorities advising caution and preparedness for the upcoming storms and adverse conditions.
