Heavy rain likely in Punjab over next 4 days

The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall at some places across the state over the next four days, even as the state faces a rain deficit of 14 per cent during July so far.

“Heavy rainfall is likely in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir during July 21-24 and in Haryana on July 21-22,” said a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on July 20. Isolated very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh during July 21-23 is also expected.

The department has also cautioned about the possibility of low to moderate flash floods over a few watersheds in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts in Himachal Pradesh. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning is likely at most places over the western Himalayan region and some places over the plains during the next seven days, the bulletin added.

From July 1 to July 20, Punjab received 87.3 mm rainfall against the long period average of 102 mm. Rainfall in neighbouring Haryana has been above normal by 28 per cent in July, whereas it has been deficient by 17 per cent in Himachal Pradesh.

During the past 24 hours, weather remained dry in Punjab. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the state was 36.8°C at Adampur and Halwara, while the lowest minimum temperature was 25.4°C at Bathinda.