Heavy to very heavy rains are likely over the northern plains in the next 48 hours. Parts of Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi will witness heavy thunderstorms, severe lightning, gusty winds and downpours commencing later in the day, today. The inclement weather activity will go on tomorrow as well, with short breaks in between. Weather conditions will improve from 02ndAug onward and only light to moderate rainfall is expected, thereafter.
The monsoon trough is the main trigger for weather activity over the northern plains. This trough was lying south of its normal position for the last few days. Accordingly, the plains experienced minimal weather activity during this period. Now, the trough is shifting northward and likely to run across southern parts of Punjab, Haryana, slightly north of Delhi and further eastward. Also, there is a small-scale cyclonic circulation embedded in the trough close to Delhi and Haryana. The trough is likely to be retained in this position by a support circulation over North Pakistan and border areas of Punjab.
Many places over the northern plains will be at risk of stormy conditions and heavy weather activity. The locations over Punjab will include Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur, Ludhiana and Patiala. Southern and western parts of Haryana covering Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala and Chandigarh will have similar weather activity. Delhi/NCR will have inclement weather conditions over the next 2 days, commencing the later part of the day, today. Parts of West Uttar Pradesh in close proximity to Delhi including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra, and Mathura will be at risk of moderate to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusty winds and unabating rains on 31st July and 01st Aug.
States of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh have a rain deficit this season with a shortfall of about 40%-45%. This spell will substitute partially and improve the number. Weather conditions will improve from 02ndAug onward. Still, light rainfall will continue over the plains with minimal spread and intensity.
Image Credit: Hindustan Times