Yellow Alert for Rain on Holi in Haryana

The Weather Department has issued a yellow alert for rain on Holi in Haryana. This warning comes after several districts experienced hailstorms yesterday, causing damage to crops and temporarily cooling temperatures in some areas.

According to meteorological officials, Haryana has been experiencing a steady rise in temperature over the past few days, with an increase of approximately one degree Celsius daily. Thursday saw Palwal record the season's highest temperature at 36 degrees Celsius, while fifteen districts across the state registered temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. 

Recent Hailstorms Damage Crops

On Thursday, four districts - Faridabad, Rewari, Charkhi Dadri, and Nuh - experienced rainfall accompanied by hailstorms. The areas adjacent to these districts recorded a drop in temperature following the weather event. However, the hailstorms have caused significant damage to vegetables and crops such as chickpeas and mustard.

Residents in Charkhi Dadri reported heavy hail that covered the ground. Similar scenes were witnessed in Bichor village in Nuh, where the land turned white with hailstones. In Rewari's Kosli tehsil and Bohtwas Bhondu village, the ground was blanketed with ice after the hailstorm. 

Weather Forecast and Previous Incidents

The Weather Department has warned that districts bordering Rajasthan may face strong winds and storms after March 16. This prediction has farmers worried, as they are still recovering from previous weather-related crop damages.

This isn't the first time Haryana has faced such weather conditions this season. Just 21 days ago, on February 22, several parts of the state experienced sudden hailstorms. Areas along the GT Road belt, including Panipat, Karnal, Sonipat, and Kurukshetra, as well as Jind, Fatehabad, and Kaithal, saw rainfall starting around 8 PM. Many locations in Panipat, Karnal, Fatehabad, and Kaithal also experienced hail, which caused considerable damage to wheat and mustard crops.

Impact on Farmers and Agriculture

The recent weather patterns have created challenges for Haryana's farming community. Many farmers had hoped for stable weather conditions during the harvest season, but the unpredictable rainfall and hailstorms have disrupted these plans. 

Local agricultural experts advise farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their standing crops, particularly in areas where the yellow alert has been issued for Holi. 

As residents prepare to celebrate the festival of colors, they are also keeping a watchful eye on the skies, ready to adapt their plans based on the weather conditions.