Ludhiana, March 13 -- Even as temperatures dipped slightly on Thursday, the mercury continues to remain significantly above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature recorded in Ludhiana was 30.4degC, which was 4.6degC above normal, despite a drop of 2.2degC from the previous day. Weather experts say the state has been witnessing unusually warm conditions since the beginning of March.

According to the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), temperatures during the first week of March remained nearly 5degC above normal, while on several days of the month, the mercury stayed 7-8degC higher than the seasonal average. The unusual heat has raised concerns among farmers, particularly as rabi crops are nearing maturity.

Pavneet Kaur, head of...