Delhi-NCR may see light rain over next two hours: IMD

Delhi-NCR and its adjoining areas, including Hindon AF Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, and Ballabhgarh, are likely to see light rainfall or drizzle over the next two hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

This weather pattern is attributed to a fresh western disturbance merging with another western disturbance and an induced cyclonic circulation over Punjab. Moisture from the Arabian Sea is also contributing to these conditions. The IMD predicts a partly cloudy sky with light rain or thundershowers in some parts of Delhi on Friday, followed by clear skies on Saturday.

Meanwhile, other regions in northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are expected to encounter thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and squalls at isolated locations from Thursday to Saturday. Punjab and Haryana may experience similar weather conditions with gusty winds on Thursday. Western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, as well as eastern Rajasthan, could witness thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until Sunday.

The IMD's crop advisory unit, Agromet, has issued guidelines to farmers in Haryana and Punjab. The advisory recommends completing the sowing of paddy nursery within the specified periods and using recommended varieties. Additionally, cotton farmers have been advised to eliminate weeds to prevent the spread of whitefly into cotton fields. Cane farmers are advised to apply fertilizers and irrigation as needed, considering the prevailing weather conditions over the next four days.

The kharif season, which encompasses the cultivation of primary crops like paddy, cotton, and sugarcane, traditionally spans from June to October. These crops are cultivated in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, typically sown at the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala on 1 June.