Rain brings stubble fires to zero in Punjab as IMD warns of more showers till Oct 15

Rain douses stubble fires in Punjab

On Sunday, rain lashed parts of Punjab and reduced reported farm‑fire incidents to zero, according to the latest figures from the state’s fire‑monitoring agencies. The sudden downpour, which hit districts such as Bathinda, came just as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was preparing to issue a weather alert for the region.

IMD issues yellow alert for thunderstorms till 15 October

The IMD released a bulletin on 11 October forecasting a four‑day wet spell over north‑west India. A yellow alert has been posted for thunderstorms and strong winds at several locations in Punjab and Haryana. Light to moderate rainfall is expected from 12‑14 October, with many areas seeing more pronounced showers on 15 October. After that date, the department predicts a return to dry conditions.

The alert notes that gusts could reach 40‑50 km ph, with isolated pockets possibly experiencing winds up to 60 km ph. Lightning and thunderstorm activity are also expected to accompany the rain.

Why the wet spell is happening now

Meteorologists attribute the current moisture surge to an upper‑air cyclonic circulation over Haryana, linked to a trough extending from central Pakistan through Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh. A western disturbance over Himachal Pradesh is also reinforcing the cloud cover.

A satellite image released by the IMD on Sunday showed dense cloud cover over most of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and northern Uttar Pradesh, as well as north‑eastern Rajasthan adjoining Haryana. Partial cloud cover was visible over eastern Punjab, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Rainfall deficits and district‑wise details

October rainfall so far has been well below the long‑period average (LPA). From 1‑11 October, Haryana recorded just 0.8 mm of rain against an LPA of 5.2 mm – an 84 % shortfall. Punjab received 2.4 mm against an LPA of 4.4 mm, a deficit of 47 %.

Despite the overall shortfall, a handful of districts have seen rainfall well above normal. In Punjab, Faridkot reported a surplus of 181 % of its LPA, followed closely by Hoshiarpur (180 %), Muktsar (174 %) and Pathankot (54 %). Conversely, ten districts – Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur and Mohali – remained completely dry.

In Haryana, 17 districts have yet to receive any rain this month. Panchkula and Sirsa are the exceptions, posting surpluses of 71 % and 52 % respectively. Ambala, Gurugram and Yamunanagar recorded the steepest shortfalls, ranging from 65 % to 99 % of their normal rainfall.

Temperature trends

Daytime temperatures have been below normal, while night‑time readings have been above normal. The highest maximum temperature in Punjab was 33.5 °C, recorded at Bathinda, with the lowest minimum of 16.0 °C also at Bathinda. Haryana saw a peak of 34.0 °C at Narnaul and a night low of 20.0 °C at Bhiwani.

What this means for farmers and the environment

The immediate benefit of the rain is evident – stubble fires, a persistent source of air‑quality degradation, have been temporarily extinguished in Punjab. The IMD’s alert also gives farmers advance notice of the weather, allowing them to plan field operations and avoid the dangerous practice of burning crop residue.

While the wet spell offers short‑term relief, officials stress that the broader monsoon deficit remains a challenge. Continued monitoring and timely forecasts are being prioritised to support agricultural stability and public health across the region.

Looking ahead

The IMD has warned that isolated to scattered rain, thunderstorm activity and gusty winds could continue in neighbouring states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, until 17 October. Residents in the warned zones are advised to stay alert, secure loose objects, and heed local advisories.

Overall, the coordinated weather forecast and the unexpected rain underscore the importance of robust meteorological services in safeguarding both livelihoods and air quality in north‑west India.