Contrasting weather conditions of March 2023 is proving burdensome for the farmers. First 2 weeks were hot and dry for the northern and central parts covering Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Unusually hot conditions with temperatures in low30's over northern plains and exceeding mid 30's over central parts left some anxious moments during the 1st half of the month. Second half of the month so far, has gone beyond the predicted envelop.
Rain and thundershowers have lashed twice with much of vigour in many parts. Hailstorm accompanying stormy weather conditions left the standing Rabi crop lodged beyond recovery over parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Freak tornado left a trail of destruction in Fazilka sector of Punjab.
Persistent weather activity in the mountains and untimely rains in the plains of North India have plunged the mercury, below the average level across the region. Morning chill with nip in the air is back with pleasant flavour over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan and Delhi. Mercury level which had earlier shot up to mid 30's have plummeted to mid and high 20's. Both day and night temperatures are below the normal across the region. Sudden twist in the weather conditions have left the farmer lurching under ambiguity and anxiety.
Farmer woes have not ended yet. Amidst crucial stage of harvest of standing crops, the danger looms large of yet another spell of stormy conditions embedded with hailstorm activity on 30th and 31st Mar and 01st April over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. All the mountain states of North India are at risk of having hailstorm activity during this period. Inclement weather activity is expected to prolong further on 03rd and 04th April, after a short breather on 02nd April. This wet spell will keep the temperatures under check. Heat wave, as expected earlier in April will be kept in abeyance, at least for the first half of April.
