Day temperatures have been rising across plains of North India covering Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. Temperatures are soaring even over Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Top five wheat producing states across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan are witnessing unusual spike in the mercury levels during the month of February. The state of Gujarat is experiencing scorching heat early in the season. Agri bowl of Maharashtra also track the similar story of oppressive heat.
Rabi crops across northern parts are facing double whammy of very little rain and growing heat, early in the season in the month of February. Wheat crop at this stage necessarily require conducive weather conditions, preferably cooler than normal temperatures. Contrarily, the entire region is engrossed with heat stress, on account of rising mercury.
Half way through the month, the day temperatures are well above the normal range. Even the minimum temperatures are more than the average value. Daily temperatures over the last one week are 4-5degree above the normal at most places over the northern plains. Next one week, the rising trend will continue and mercury may exceed 30 degree at many places. Some parts of Haryana and Rajasthan, including Narnaul, Hissar, Ganganagar, Suratgarh and Hanumangarh may even breach 35 degree.
An extreme heat at this stage of wheat crop is construed as detrimental. Decent rate of grain filling is very essential for better yield and productivity. Partial cloud cover is expected over parts of Punjab and Haryana, North Rajasthan and Delhi from 19th Feb onward. Chances of rain are minimal for the next one week. An active western disturbance accompanied with its induced cyclonic circulation may bring welcome showers in the fag end of the month, between 25th and 28th February.