Punjab and Haryana have received scanty rainfall in most parts this year.
According to the Meteorological Department, Punjab has received 69.9 mm of rainfall against normal rainfall of 154.4 mm from June 1 till now. A deviation of minus 55 percent has been recorded in Punjab.
On the other hand, Haryana has received 80.7 mm of rainfall against its normal of 141.1 mm during the same period, with a deviation of minus 43 percent.
The MeT officials informed that despite rains in some areas in both States in the past three days, a huge rainfall deficit has been observed during this monsoon.
In Punjab, the rainfall deficit of 88 percent in Barnala, Sangrur (85 per cent), Mansa (minus 85 per cent), Ferozepur (minus 80), Fatehgarh Sahib (minus 76) and Patiala (minus 64) have been recorded. The districts Amritsar and Tarn Taran recorded rain deficient by minus 79 and 78 per cent respectively.
In Haryana, only Jhajjar, Faridabad and Gurgaon districts have had normal rainfall. Haryana has received 49.4 mm of rainfall against the normal of 101.9 mm, a deviation of minus 55 per cent in the month of July.
Punjab and Haryana contribute nearly 70 per cent of foodgrain to the national kitty annually.
According to the Meteorological Department, rain/thundershowers may occur at a few places in Haryana and Punjab on July 23 and 24 and at many places in Haryana. The rains are expected at a few places in Punjab on July 25 and later, at a few places in both states on July 26.
Also, there are indications of better rainfall in subsequent two weeks (July 22-August 15).