The scorching heat in the districts of Punjab is a matter of pain for many; the south-western monsoon winds haven’t reached the region of Punjab and are delayed by a month.
The Indian Meteorological Department has said that the monsoons were delayed by almost a month, was likely to begin over the remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan during July 10 to 12.
Only two regions Ludhiana and Kapurthala, have reported normal rainfall so far. This delay in the monsoon has caused 99% deficiency in the rest of the 20 districts in Punjab, said IMD.
In a monsoon and rainfall forecast report of Punjab submitted to Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan, the Director-General of Meteorology Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “the Southwest monsoon has covered some parts of north Punjab (Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, and Mohali) and Haryana on June 13 and thereafter no further advance has taken place over both these states till July 7.”
“Due to the impact of stronger middle latitude dry continental westerly winds, monsoon has been weak causing the subdued rainfall, especially during June 25 to July 6. The first half of June experienced above-normal rainfall, which reduced thereafter. However, scattered rainfall occurred on a few occasions during this period,” he disclosed.
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When the IMD DG submitted the weather report for the next 10 days they said that according to the latest numerical weather prediction model guidance, the moist easterly winds in the lower level from the Bay of Bengal are likely to spread into northwest India covering Punjab and north Haryana by July 10.
“Accordingly, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during July 10 to 12,” he revealed.
Dr. Mohapatra told that the pending rainfall activity is very likely to continue over Punjab till July 9. However, isolated thunderstorms can also be expected over Punjab till July 9.
“The monsoon activity would revive commencing from July 9 night with rainfall at many places in the state. It is likely to increase further during July 11 to 12 with moderate rainfall at many places over the state and isolated heavy rainfall. During the period from July 11 to 16, all the districts of Punjab are expected to receive cumulative rainfall of about 50 to 70 mm,” the IMD DG added.
The report was submitted after the Chief Secretary had held a meeting with the Secretary to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) regarding the present scenario of monsoon and thunderstorm forecast of Punjab.
The extreme dry spell is a cause of a major power crisis in the agricultural state with the demand touching a high peak and the consumers are losing their temper under the frequent power cuts.