Punjab is the rainiest state in terms of winter rains during the month of January. However, this year this statement has completely proven to be wrong. The state has remained deficient, particularly largely deficient till January 20 for many parts. The total deficiency over the state was recorded exceeding 80% in the month of January. However, some relief was observed for the state in terms heavy wet spell with very heavy at some places that had recently occurred on January 21 and 22. However, despite these rains a large part of the state has remained largely deficient so far.
Have a look at the graph giving details of deficient and surplus rainfall from year 2012 to 2019 over Punjab-
If we look at the graph, then it is clearly visible that out of 7 years, i.e. from 2012 to 2018, the state received surplus rainfall of 42% and 68% respectively in 2012 and 2017, while it remained largely deficient by 63% and 74% in the years 2013, 2016 and 2018, while deficient by 30% and 40% in the year 2015 and 2014 respectively.
This year too, till January 20, the state was under the grip of high rain deficiency. However, widespread wet spells with heavy to very heavy at few places have covered a major percentage of deficiency. These rains have overcome the situation of deficiency. As a result, surplus rainfall of 95% has been recorded in the month of January. Although these rains have proven to be a boon for the state, but in pockets, the deficiency has remained high, particularly over extreme southwestern parts of Punjab.
The state of Punjab is divided into three regions that are- 1. Majha region 2. Doaba region and 3. Malwa region. The Malwa region covers 65% of the area. This is the semi-arid region consisting of places such as Faridkot and Firozpur. This pocket of Punjab remains highly rain deficient. The major reason for deficiency is weather systems remain far beyond the reach of this pocket.
If we talk data-wise, then Firozpur has remained 87% rain deficient, followed by Muktsar 70% and Faridkot 49% in the month of January, this year.
In contrary to this, other two regions such as Majha and Doaba have perfomed excellent with rains, wherein Ludhiana is surplus with rains by 242%, followed by Hoshiarpur 202%, Gurdaspur 179%, Fatehgarh 171% and Jalandhar 163%.
In fact some pockets had even experienced hailstorm activities with intensity being more over Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana. The intensity of hailstorm activities over these two places was so high that some people had even mistaken it with a thick sheet/layer of snow. However, snowfall stands zero possibility to occur in the state like that of Punjab. Moreover, this level of hailstorm is considered harmful from agriculture point of view as this retards the growth of major crops such as wheat,mustard and other leafy vegetables.
Now, in the coming days, a weak weather system is expected to develop over hills which may result in some rains along the foothills of Punjab. However, these rains being short lived would last only for a day or so and weather would go completely dry once again.
Geographical map of Punjab
Image Credits; Wikimedia Commons
The state of Punjab is characterized by varied terrain including foothills such as Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and Mohali as well as semi-arid regions such as Firozpur, Faridkot and Tarn Taran, joining borders with Pakistan and Rajasthan.
Image Credits – Pinterest
Any information taken from here should be credited to Skymet Weather
