Intermittent drizzling accompanied by moderate winds and sporadic hailstorms in parts of the region early Thursday morning led to a noticeable drop in temperature, providing relief from the recent spell of rising heat.

The sudden change in weather was reported from several areas of the district, particularly villages around Ajnala, where farmers said hailstones damaged standing crops. Residents said the sky remained cloudy for most of the morning while cool winds continued to sweep across the region.

Farmers in villages near Ajnala reported that although the hailstorm lasted only a short while, it was intense enough to damage wheat and vegetable crops in certain pockets. Strong winds also caused flattening of wheat crops in some fields. However, agriculture officials stated that the flattening was mainly observed in fields that had been irrigated during the past few days.

Many cultivators expressed concern over the possible impact on yields, especially as the crops are currently at a sensitive stage of growth.

“Strong winds and hailstones lasted for several minutes. Some wheat fields have suffered damage,” said Baljeet Singh, a farmer from Bhaini Gilla village. He added that earlier farmers feared that rising temperatures might reduce yields, but now their crops have been affected by the hailstorm.

Local residents also noticed a sharp drop in temperature compared to the past few days when the region had been experiencing warmer conditions. The cool breeze and cloudy skies provided temporary relief from the heat, making the day more pleasant for many people.

Agriculture experts have advised farmers to remain cautious in the coming days. They have recommended that farmers avoid irrigating their crops until the windy conditions completely subside. Experts explained that irrigation during strong winds can weaken crop roots and may cause lodging, particularly in wheat fields.

Weather fluctuations during the transition from winter to summer are not uncommon in the region. However, sudden hailstorms can sometimes pose risks to crops and create uncertainty for farmers.

Officials said they are monitoring the situation and will assess the extent of crop damage if necessary. Meanwhile, farmers have been advised to keep a close watch on weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect their crops.

Source - https://www.tribuneindia.com