Widespread rainfall in Punjab offsets May deficit

Widespread rainfall across north-west India over the past 24 hours has pushed Punjab’s total rainfall in May well above normal levels. The monthly rainfall in the state, which was earlier significantly deficient, is now showing a surplus of 135 per cent.

According to the data compiled by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Punjab received 35.5 mm rainfall from May 1 to 25, against the long-period average of 14.3 mm for the said period.

The season’s pre-monsoon rainfall, however, is still about 9 per cent below par. From March 1 to May 25, the state recorded 46.5 mm rainfall against the long-period average of 51.2 mm.

Over the past 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorm and gusty winds were experienced in most parts of Punjab. The current wet spell has been attributed to western disturbances.

During this period, the highest maximum temperature recorded in the state was 41°C at Bathinda, while the lowest was 18.6°C at Halwara. The day temperature remained below normal by 1.6°C to 3°C, according to the IMD.

The weatherman has predicted scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, along with thunderstorm, lightening and gusty winds in Punjab till May 31.

A fall of around 4-6°C in the day temperature is likely in the state during the next 24 hours, while a rise of 3-4°C is expected over the subsequent 4-5 days.