Due to the influence of a western disturbance formed in the Bay of Bengal, light to moderate rainfall is occurring in various states. In the past day, rain continued throughout the day in the capital city of Delhi, and it is expected to persist today as well. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for rainfall and other weather-related conditions in several states.
Rainfall occurred in Delhi-NCR and several other states yesterday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted strong winds, thunder, and rain today as well. An alert has been issued for heavy rain with strong winds in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi weather, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. However, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will remain dry, and no alerts have been issued for these areas. There is also a risk of hailstorms in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Bengal.
The rain in Delhi has intensified the cold effect. While the minimum temperature had already been dropping, now the maximum temperature is also falling rapidly. Yesterday, the minimum temperature recorded was 11°C, and the maximum temperature was 14.6°C. According to IMD, Delhi experienced intermittent rainfall with strong winds and thunder, with 9 mm of rain recorded. Today, light rainfall is expected with generally cloudy skies.
The rain from yesterday has raised concerns about crop damage in parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In Akola, Maharashtra, Kharif crops like Arhar, Cotton, and Rabi crops like Chana, Wheat, Onion, and Fruits are likely to suffer significant damage. Hailstorms could cause severe harm to these crops.
Risk to Onion and Mustard Crops: Rain has been occurring in over 20 districts in Rajasthan, including Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Sikar, since the night of December 26. While this rain may benefit crops like wheat, chickpeas, barley, tomatoes, and others, it could harm off-season crops like onions and mustard.
Untimely Rainfall Posing Danger to Potato Crops:
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have been relieved from the threat of frost in wheat and mustard crops, but potato farmers are concerned due to the untimely rainfall. If the rain increases, it could raise the risk of diseases in these crops.
