Rain adds to chill in city

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 2

The region witnessed drizzling throughout the day on Saturday, adding to the chill. The forecast by weatherman predicted that the showers will stay for a couple of days and are set to prolong the chilly weather.

Mild showers in the region brought cheer to wheat growers. Agriculture experts said the rain coupled with a rise in cold conditions is beneficial for the crop, but heavy rain may cause damage to the crops sown recently.

Farmers are also happy as due to continuous light rain, the crop has not been affected by aphid and white rust.

The Meteorological Department forecast says Bathinda and its nearby areas could experience rain on Sunday as well.

As per the forecast predicated by the agri-met department of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) regional station, the city on Saturday witnessed a 1 mm rain and the chill remained present throughout the day.

On Saturday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 16.5 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature 8.5 degree Celsius.

Cold winds and the resultant frost can be attributed to the western disturbance which has caused fresh snowfall over the Himalayan region. The snowfall, in turn, has resulted in chilly winds over the plains in Northern India.

Agriculture experts said there are traces of moisture in the air. At the same time, the temperature in the day has gone down which is good for the crop, they added.

According to them, with a dip in the temperature, the expected showers would be beneficial in managing the problem of diseases in the crop.