Multiple spells of rainfall in March have caused an excess of precipitation in parts of northwest India. Six out of the 10 States and Union Territories categorized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as northwest India have recorded a large excess in rainfall this month, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh. In contrast, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, and Kashmir have recorded deficits in rainfall.
The excess rainfall can be attributed to western disturbances – storms originating from the Mediterranean region that brings rainfall to northwest India. This month, multiple western disturbances have been affecting the region, which is a stark contrast to February when no western disturbances affected the plains of the area.
The current spell of rainfall has also been brought by a western disturbance that lies as a cyclonic circulation over Afghanistan and its neighboring areas. According to IMD scientists, four western disturbances have affected the plains of northwest India so far this month.
The IMD has issued a forecast warning of possible damage to crops on account of strong winds and hail. No significant change is expected in maximum temperatures over the next 24 hours, but there could be a fall of two to four degrees over the subsequent four days.
As rainfall continues to persist in northwest India, the excess precipitation could pose a threat to crops in the region. The IMD has advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from the strong winds and hail that may occur due to the rainfall. People living in the region are advised to stay updated with the weather forecast and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the ongoing spell of rainfall.