Patiala, Aug. 1 -- At 34%, Punjab sees worst rain shortfall among northern states at the end of first two months of monsoon

Despite monsoon activity picking up in the last week of July after a 10-day lull, Punjab's rainfall deficit remained largely unchanged, with the first two months of the southwest monsoon (June 1 to July 31) ending with a 34% shortfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast below-normal rainfall during August and September, indicating that the state may not witness significant recovery in the remaining two months of monsoon season.

According to IMD's monthly weather report, Punjab received 119.3 mm rainfall in July against the normal 161.4 mm - a deficit of 26%. Consequently, it was insufficie...