Ludhiana, Oct. 6 -- The city was swept by fresh showers in the wee hours of Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain and thunderstorm alerts for the next two days. According to agricultural experts, rain accompanied by gusty winds can damage the ripe paddy crop.

The IMD recorded 4.4 mm of rainfall till morning. It has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds for Sunday; an orange alert for thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy to very heavy rain for Monday; and again a yellow alert for thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds for Tuesday.

"Rain with gusty winds can lead to lodging in the crop, which affects both the quality and yield," said Dr Buta Singh Dhillon.

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