Met Dept Predicts Cold Spell; Farmers Struggle with Slow Paddy Harvest 

CHANDIGARH: Punjab faces a weather shift as a two-day rain alert sends ripples of concern among the farming community, while the cold wave takes a toll on public health. The Meteorological Department forecasts that the cold may intensify in the coming days. Today's weather outlook suggests a cloudy day with intermittent sunshine, notably marked by chilly mornings and evenings. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 29 degrees, while the minimum is predicted to be 16 degrees.

However, it's the impact on agriculture that has many farmers in distress. The incessant rain has taken a heavy toll on the paddy crop, leaving fields waterlogged and paddy unable to ripen as expected. The mature paddy crop eagerly awaits harvesting, but the wet ground conditions make it impossible to operate combines efficiently. Consequently, the pace of paddy harvesting has slowed considerably, leading to a sluggish arrival of paddy in the markets.

The health sector is not unaffected by the changing weather conditions. The onset of colder weather has triggered a surge in patients suffering from fever and throat infections. This year, cases of throat infections are alarmingly high. Patients are seeking medical attention due to severe throat pain and the onset of high fever. The excruciating pain makes it challenging for individuals to swallow food, and even with continuous treatment spanning seven to eight days, relief from sore throat and pain remains elusive. 

Notably, Medical experts warn that as the weather continues to fluctuate, the number of patients with weather-related ailments is expected to rise further. The convergence of weather challenges, impacting both agriculture and public health, necessitates vigilance and adaptation for the people of Punjab as they navigate this transitional period.