Dry Spell to Continue in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and West Rajasthan for Next 2 Days
Northwest India is set to experience a short yet impactful dry spell, with weather conditions remaining largely rain-free across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and West Rajasthan for the next 48 hours. According to the latest meteorological assessments, this dry phase is attributed to the western end of the monsoon trough shifting northward, currently aligned closer to the Himalayan foothills. This positional change is cutting off moisture incursion into the plains, thereby halting rainfall activity in the region.
This monsoon season has produced varied rainfall trends across the northwest. West Rajasthan has recorded a substantial surplus of 114%, well above the seasonal average, largely due to early monsoon activity and isolated heavy spells. Haryana, too, stands in positive territory with a 21% surplus. Chandigarh has managed to stay just above the seasonal average with a modest 2% surplus. Delhi, however, has experienced a more erratic pattern, resulting in an 18% rainfall deficiency, primarily because of long breaks between intermittent spells of rain.
Must Read: NISAR Satellite Launch on July 30: All You Need to Know About the NASA-ISRO Earth Mission
The ongoing dry spell is being driven by hot and dry winds sweeping across the region. As a result, daytime temperatures are on the rise, and humidity levels are building steadily. This combination is expected to lead to considerable discomfort, especially during the day, while nights may feel increasingly muggy—conditions particularly noticeable in densely populated urban pockets such as Delhi and Chandigarh.
Weather experts indicate that this stagnation in rainfall is likely to persist until around July 27. After that, a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to move inland. If this system gains strength and is accompanied by a southward shift in the monsoon trough, it may trigger a revival of monsoon activity across parts of North India. Under its influence, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi could witness light to moderate rainfall, with the possibility of isolated intense spells. However, West Rajasthan is projected to remain mostly dry, with no significant rainfall anticipated over the next week.
While this dry spell may offer a temporary reprieve from excessive monsoon moisture in some areas, it is also likely to aggravate heat stress and reduce comfort levels across the region. For agriculture, particularly in rain-fed areas, the pause in rainfall could slow down Kharif sowing activity, though it might offer some relief from waterlogging in low-lying farmlands. Urban dwellers are advised to brace for increased discomfort due to elevated humidity and temperatures.
Despite the current lull, the evolving monsoon dynamics towards the end of July offer a hopeful outlook, especially for Delhi and surrounding regions that continue to fall short of their seasonal rainfall targets.
