Upcoming Rain to Bring Relief from Rising Temperatures in Northwest India

Northwest India has been experiencing unusually high temperatures for quite some time now, majorly in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Both day and night temperatures have been persistently above normal, causing discomfort to the residents as well as raising concerns amongst the farmers. Rainfall deficit across the plains and limited snowfall in the Western Himalayas are the key reasons behind this prolonged heat.

India has received 71% less rainfall than normal between January 1 and February 16, with Northwest India being the worst affected, facing an 80% deficit. Almost all regions in the northwest are experiencing significantly low rainfall. However, there is some relief on the way as a fresh Western Disturbance has reached the Western Himalayas. This system, along with cyclonic circulation over Haryana, is expected to bring light rain to parts of Southwest Uttar Pradesh, South Haryana, and nearby areas of Rajasthan from February 17. The hills of the Western Himalayas may also receive scattered rain and isolated snowfall on February 17 and 18.

Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are predicted for North Rajasthan, portions of Punjab, Haryana, and Northeast India on February 19 and 20 as the rain and snowfall intensify. During this period, mild to moderate rain is also possible in West Bengal, Delhi, North Odisha, and West Uttar Pradesh. This rain will provide much-needed respite from the rising heat in the northern plains, even though it may not completely compensate for the rainfall shortfall. Farmers will also benefit from the increased soil moisture, which will benefit future crops.

In Northwest India, the winter months often provide chilly days and nights, with sporadic precipitation and rain in the higher Western Himalayan regions. But things have been very different this year. For several weeks, there has been an unseasonable warmth due to significantly higher-than-normal day and nighttime temperatures.

This year's lack of snowfall has contributed to the overall increase in temperatures in the Western Himalayan region, which normally receives a lot of snowfall during this time of year. The albedo effect, in which snow reflects sunlight and keeps the area cold, has diminished as a result of the decreased snow cover. Temperatures rise when there is less snow because the earth absorbs more sunshine.

In Northwest India, the lack of rainfall has proven concerning. The country has seen a 71% rainfall deficit between January 1 and February 16, with Northwest India seeing an 80% deficit. This significant lack of rain has had a number of effects.

Low soil moisture levels, which are essential for the growth of winter crops like wheat, mustard, and barley, have been caused by the lack of rainfall. Because inadequate soil moisture can result in stunted development and decreased productivity, farmers are concerned about how this would impact crop production.

Concerns over water scarcity have been raised by the impact of the lack of rainfall on groundwater levels, rivers, and reservoirs. This is particularly concerning in regions where irrigation and drinking water are mostly dependent on rainfall.