The Western Disturbance moving across Afghanistan and adjoining Pakistan first brought clouding followed by widespread rain and snowfall in North India.
On the first day of the month, thick clouds enveloped northern parts of Punjab and within 24 hours it spread over the entire state along with Haryana and Delhi. Isolated places in the region recorded the monthly average rainfall in a span of 24 hours.
Rainfall figures in a span of 24 hours from 8.30 am on Monday:
After receiving 35 mm of rain, Amritsar surpassed the monthly average of 21.7 mm in just one day. Day temperature dropped to 18.4°C in the city on Monday and is likely to inch towards normal by tomorrow.
February is the rainiest winter month for Punjab and Haryana. According to Skymet Weather’s Agri Research Expert, Mr. Nalin Rawal the current rains will be highly beneficial for Rabi crop wheat but not potato.
Light rain delivers sufficient winter moisture to the wheat crop that is important to improve root tone of the wheat and ultimately give a good yield. Potato seeds could be negatively affected as it does not require heavy application of water due to possible decaying of tubers.
Effect of the rainfall on different crops:
