Massive crop damage was reported across northwestern plains, particularly Punjab and Haryana, as heavy rains and thundershowers wreaked havoc. These showers were also accompanied with strong winds and hailstorm.
Wheat, maize, peas, mustard are the major Rabi crops have reported major losses. Accurate figures are yet to be ascertained. Rains had started during the early morning hours and continued throughout the day.
According to Skymet Weather, an active Western Disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir had induced a cyclonic circulation over Northwest Rajasthan. Both the systems were strong in nature and thus, resulted in widespread rain and thundershowers. However, it was intense hailstorm that has caused the major damage to the standing crop.
At present, the crop was in standing stage and such intense weather activity can either destroy the crop completely or damage the quality. We are afraid that one of both might be the case this time.
Both the prevailing weather systems have now moved away, and rains have also departed. However, this is not all, as weathermen are predicting another spell of rain and thundershowers next week. Although intensity of weather activities would not as intense as this week, but threat of crop damage still looms large.
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