Bathinda: Punjab continues to face a dry spell and soaring temperatures, with deficient rainfall adding to the state’s power demand. The state has recorded 40% deficient rainfall during the ongoing southwest monsoon (June-September), receiving 244.5mm against the normal 405.5mm so far.The deficient rainfall comes amid below-normal monsoon activity forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With rain largely eluding the state, hot and humid conditions have persisted through September, adding to electricity demand.However, there could be some relief from Sep 16, with IMD on Saturday forecasting fairly widespread to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Sep 16 and 17. Isolated to scattered rain with thunderstorms and lightning is also likely over other parts of northwest India.IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh between Sep 13 and 17.Despite the approaching rain spell, temperatures remained high on Saturday. Chandigarh recorded a maximum of 36.8°C, while Rupnagar recorded 36.3°C, with the mercury hovering around 37°C in parts of the region even in mid-September.
