Punjab sees wettest Aug in 26 yrs

Neighbouring Haryana received 194.5 mm of rain in August against an average of 147.7 mm for the month, marking a 32% increase, the IMD said

Written by Anju Agnihotri Chaba

Jalandhar | September 1, 2025 03:56 AM IST

This year’s surplus was driven by extraordinary showers in state’s northern and central districts (Express Photo)

Punjab has this year received its highest-ever August rainfall since 2000, with the state recording 253.7 mm downpour against the normal of 146.2 mm — a 74% surplus — according to the IMD.

Neighbouring Haryana received 194.5 mm of rain in August against an average of 147.7 mm for the month, marking a 32% increase, the IMD said.

In the past 25 years, Punjab has mostly seen deficient rainfall in August. The state recorded a 75% deficit in 2014 and 62% deficit in 2023 even when Punjab witnessed major floods in both years.

The state saw surplus August rainfall in 2008 at 247 mm (46% surplus) and in 2013 at 217 mm (27% surplus). This year’s surplus was driven by extraordinary showers in state’s northern and central districts. Pathankot topped the state with 944.2 mm rainfall, followed by Gurdaspur (577.5 mm) and Jalandhar (479.9 mm).

Haryana recorded its second-wettest August in 26 years, receiving 194.5 mm of rainfall against the normal of 147.7 mm, a 32% surplus, according to IMD.

The state has seen frequent rain deficit in August over the past two decades. The years that saw a sharp deficit are 2006 (-79%), 2009 (-67%), 2024 (-80%), 2017 & 2018 (-48%), 2023 (-52%) and 2023 (-60%). The wettest August was in 2004, when Haryana saw 250 mm of rain (49% above normal), and 2024 (26% surplus). While Fatehabad at 298.3 mm rainfall (252% above normal) saw sharpest departure, Yamuna Nagar at 408.5 mm (33% above normal) was wettest district in the state this year.

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