Rain Expected in Northwest India - Relief for Rabi Crops

19-Jan-2026 04:07 PM

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that a new spell of rain is likely in northwest India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and snowfall in the hilly areas, over the next few days.

This is expected to provide relief to Rabi crops, including wheat, mustard, gram, and barley. On the other hand, a rise in temperature and a decrease in the intensity of the cold wave are also predicted in a large part of the country.

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature will remain largely stable over the next four days, after which it may increase by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. This will provide relief to the general public from the severe cold.

According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan between January 22 and 24. 

Advisories have also been issued for farmers and livestock owners in several states, considering the possibility of low temperatures, strong winds, and thunderstorms in the coming days.

An expert from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research says that the effect of winter rains is usually mixed, but it is considered beneficial for Rabi crops. However, the rainfall should be light to moderate and well-distributed across all regions.

This increases the moisture content in the soil and accelerates the flowering and grain formation in plants.

According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain and hailstorms are likely in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Muzaffarabad between January 18 and 21. The intensity of rainfall will increase in the plains states from January 22-24.