Punjab and Haryana are facing extreme dry conditions in the month of February this season. February is the rainiest month of the season, and has witnessed far and few showers of rain and registered a huge shortfall. Punjab has received 2.2mm of rain till 26th February against the monthly normal of 27.7mm and therefore a deficiency of more than 90%. Haryana though a shade better but still has a shortfall of over 70% as the state recorded 4.3mm rainfall against the average of 16.6mm.
A prolonged and consistent dry spell has cast increased temperatures, particularly during 2nd half of the month. The average monthly temperature is about 2°C or more above the normal. Variation of even +/- 0.5°C is considered significant for a subdivision or a state and anything above 1°C qualifies for the alarming state and its unnerving consequences. Major cities across these 2 states have registered high temperatures and the extreme heat has extended up to the national capital Delhi also.
The dry spell over the region does not seem to be ending soon. Western disturbance is moving across Jammu & Kashmir and its induced cyclonic circulation shifting along the foothill of Punjab. These areas may get light and isolated rain not amounting to any significant change in the weather conditions. The next western disturbance is expected only during the 2nd week of March. Extended dry weather may spell the early exit of winters from the region.
