Rain pattern has weatherman worried

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

As it rained today, Surinder Paul, Director of the Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, was not pleased with its pattern.

He termed it a high-intensity rain, which would not help replenish the groundwater. “Such rain causes flash floods. Water just runs off the surface and it does not seep into the earth. Slow and constant showers are always better as raindrops are properly absorbed. In today’s case-first the rain and later the clear sky- humidity will go up,” said Surinder Paul.

Surinder Paul maintained that once the monsoon was over, the department would study the changing pattern of rain.

He said earlier, the monsoon rain used to remain for two to three days, whereas in the past 10 years, the consistency of the rain had reduced to merely 24 hours. “However, the intensity of the rain has increased. Very heavy rainfall is being witnessed in a matter of few hours,” said Surinder Paul.

He said after heavy rain, the weather turned dry, which could further lead to a drought-like situation, impacting agriculture. “The rising temperature is amongst the many reasons behind such an unusual activity,” said Surinder Paul.