Bathinda: Punjab recorded the highest rainfall deficit of 35% among three states of Haryana (17%), and Himachal Pradesh (12%) from June 1 to the morning of July 16.While Punjab received 86.9mm of rain against its normal 133.3mm, Haryana got 107.1mm against a normal of 128.7mm. Himachal, on the other hand, received 193.3mm against its normal of 220.3mm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers any rainfall within 19% (deficient or excess) to be normal. The drop comes as the southwest monsoon weakens, leading to forecasts of subdued rainfall activity over the plains of northwest India in the next few days. During the first 16 days of July, Punjab recorded a 27% deficit, receiving 58.0mm of rain against the normal 79.4mm. Haryana recorded an 8% deficit during this period, receiving 68.1mm against the normal 74.0mm. Himachal recorded a 4% excess, receiving 124.1mm against a normal of 119.2mm. The IMD forecasts scattered rainfall over Punjab and Haryana from July 16–19, followed by widespread rainfall in both states from July 20–22. Himachal Pradesh is expected to see widespread rainfall between July 18–22.
