Hailstorm poses greater threat to Rabi crops than rain

27-Jan-2026 09:16 PM

New Delhi: According to the Meteorological Department's forecast, due to the activity of a Western Disturbance, on January 27, 2026, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experienced rainfall with strong winds and thunderstorms in the plains. Several areas also witnessed heavy rainfall and hailstorms.

The weather turned colder. Wind speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour were recorded in many areas. In Punjab and Haryana,

the highest speed reached up to 60 km per hour. In Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the average speed was 30 to 40 km per hour, and the highest speed recorded was 50 km per hour. Rainfall is also expected in some areas on January 28.

Agricultural experts say that in areas where there was light to moderate rainfall, no hailstorms, and low wind speeds, the Rabi crops are expected to benefit overall.

However, in areas with heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds, there is a risk of crop damage. This situation can prove particularly detrimental to crops like wheat, gram, mustard, barley, and lentils.

The extent of damage to Rabi crops in different regions due to these natural calamities will only be known after a government survey.

However, it is certain that excessive rainfall, strong winds, and hailstorms are quite harmful to early-sown crops that have matured and reached the harvesting stage.