• Source:JND
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Punjab Weather Update: Heavy rainfall across several districts of Punjab on Tuesday has damaged ripe crops, with scattered paddy fields and a significant portion of paddy arriving in markets soaked. The state has witnessed record-breaking October rainfall, surpassing levels not seen in 70 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a dry spell for the remainder of the week. The recent downpour, caused by a strong western disturbance, drenched large parts of Punjab on Monday and Tuesday.

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Punjab Rainfall Record In October 

According to IMD data, Patiala recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 50 mm over the past 24 hours, followed by Mohali at 48 mm and Ludhiana at 34 mm. The unexpected rain inundated fields in multiple districts, raising farmers’ concerns about crop quality and overall yield. However, experts have confirmed that the wet spell has now ended.

In the past 24 hours, the state received 8.8 mm of rainfall, far above the normal 0.2 mm expected on October 7. The Meteorological Department noted that such heavy rainfall on this date has not been recorded between 1955 and 2024, nor has a single day in the first week of October seen such intensity.

From October 1 to 7, Punjab recorded a total of 20.7 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 2.5 mm, marking a 727 percent increase this year. Moderate rainfall is also forecast for Wednesday.

Chandigarh Weather Forecast 

The 7-day weather forecast indicates mostly clear skies across the region, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19-20 Degree Celsius to a maximum of 29-31 Degree Celsius. October 8 will see partly cloudy skies, while October 9 to 13 is expected to remain mainly clear, with warm daytime temperatures peaking around 30-31 Degree Celsius. Overall, the week promises stable and pleasant weather conditions.

Punjab River Water Level 

On Tuesday, the water level at Pong Dam reached 1,384.57 feet, just 5.43 feet shy of the danger mark of 1,390 feet. Marking a historic event, all six floodgates of the dam were opened in October for the first time in 51 years. Meanwhile, the Satluj River inundated fields in Fazilka and Ferozepur for the third time in two months. 

Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Gurdeep Singh warned that the unseasonal rains could damage the paddy crop, leading to discolored grains, delayed harvesting by five to six days, and higher moisture content, creating challenges for farmers in the market.

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While farmers welcome the forecast of dry weather, concerns linger over the losses caused by recent rains. “The damage is already done in some areas, but clear skies ahead will at least let us complete harvesting without further delays,” said a Ludhiana farmer. Farm unions have called on the Punjab government to carry out immediate surveys in rain-affected districts and announce compensation for the impacted farmers.