Bathinda: With the southwest monsoon remaining subdued over the plains of northwest India for the past week, rainfall deficiency has deepened in Punjab and Haryana even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a revival of monsoon activity from Monday.Punjab has recorded a 41% rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 19, up from 39% a day earlier, receiving 88.7 mm against the normal 150.4 mm. Haryana’s deficit widened to 24% from 22%, with 107.6 mm of rain against the normal 142.3 mm. Himachal Pradesh reported a 14% deficit, receiving 211.6 mm against the normal 247.1 mm. Rainfall within ±19% of normal is classified as normal.In July alone (July 1-19), Punjab recorded a 38% deficit, receiving 59.7 mm against the normal 95.9 mm, while Haryana logged a 22% deficit, with 68.6 mm against 87.6 mm. Himachal Pradesh, however, was near normal with only a 2% deficit, receiving 142.4 mm against the normal 146 mm.According to the IMD, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely over Punjab and Haryana from July 20 to 23, with isolated to scattered showers expected on July 19 and again on July 24-25. Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness widespread rainfall from July 19 to 25.
