In middle of paddy harvest, rain may play spoilsport

BATHINDA: With paddy harvesting and procurement gathering momentum, Punjab faces inclement weather. As per the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), "fairly widespread rainfall activity" is expected in Punjab on October 15 and 16. Isolated rainfall has been predicted for October 14 and 17.

Isolated rain refers to rain that only occurs in certain locations. Fairly widespread refers to rain that takes place in 51%-74 % number of stations of a region, or what is called a meteorological sub-division, and is at least 2.5mm.

Widespread rain refers to one which takes place in 75% or more number of stations of a region and is at least 2.5 mm.

Middle of October is a time when farmers indulge in harvesting of paddy. Any rainfall during this time could hamper harvesting as it increases moisture in the grains. Earlier too, due to floods in July and August, harvesting was delayed.

As per IMD, the forecast has been made as a western disturbance is expected to develop. Under its influence, an induced cyclonic circulation is likely to form over central Pakistan and neighbourhood during the next 24 hours. The system is likely to intensify with the possibility of merger of a fresh western disturbance on October 15.

The system is likely to receive moisture feeding from Arabian Sea from October 15 and 16. As a result, rainfall intensity and distribution is very likely to increase over northwest India during same period.

After the passage of WD, dry northwesterly winds from Himalayas likely to prevail over northwest India in lower tropospheric levels.


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