CHANDIGARH, June 29: Widespread rainfall lashed Haryana on Sunday morning, bringing much-needed relief from the prolonged spell of searing heat and marking the arrival of the southwest monsoon across the entire country—nine days ahead of its usual schedule, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The showers led to a sharp drop in maximum temperatures across the state, with the average maximum temperature falling by 3°C compared to Saturday. Despite the decline, Sunday’s readings were still about 6°C below normal for this time of year. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the state was 38°C in Sirsa.
The IMD reported that rainfall was widespread, affecting nearly all districts. Day temperatures plummeted in several cities: Ambala (29.4°C), Hisar (36°C), Karnal (29°C), Mahendragarh (34.5°C), Rohtak (31.9°C), Bhiwani (35.1°C and 36.7°C reported from different parts), Faridabad (32.3°C and 35.2°C), Gurugram (33.1°C), Jind (33.5°C), Kaithal (30.9°C), Kurukshetra (28.8°C), Mewat (33°C), Panchkula (31.2°C), Panipat (30.6°C), Rewari (33.8°C), Sonepat (29.9°C), and Yamunanagar (27.2°C).
“Light to moderate rainfall occurred at several places with heavy to very heavy rain reported in isolated pockets. Thunderstorms were also recorded in some areas,” said a spokesperson of the IMD, adding that the southwest monsoon has now covered the entire country—a significant development given the normal date for full coverage is July 8.
The Met Department has forecast light to moderate rain across Haryana on Monday, with heavy downpours likely in many areas including Yamunanagar, Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat, Kurukshetra, and Kaithal.
The showers led to waterlogging in several low-lying urban areas, temporarily disrupting movement in parts of the state. Officials also confirmed that the dip in temperature and increased moisture reduced the overall electricity demand across the region.
For farmers, the rainfall brought a welcome opportunity to speed up paddy transplantation—a process that had been delayed due to insufficient moisture and high temperatures.
“We were waiting for such rainfall. It was not easy to keep the fields irrigated in the heat,” said Vikas, a farmer from Karnal district. Another farmer, Rajnish, said, “The rainfall has significantly improved the humidity in the soil, making it easier to prepare fields for transplantation.”
With monsoon now firmly established, agricultural activities are expected to pick up across the state, easing pressure on water resources and offering a hopeful start to the kharif season.
