Cloudy Skies and Showers Ahead: Dharwad Set for Rainy Days

Hubballi: Farmers in Dharwad district are advised to prepare for light to moderate rainfall over the next few days as per the latest Agromet Advisory Service Bulletin. Issued jointly by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the bulletin predicts generally cloudy skies and intermittent showers between October 23rd and October 27th, 2024.

Weather Forecast Summary:

• Rainfall is expected to vary, with 15 mm predicted on October 23rd, 16 mm on October 24th, and lighter showers of 4 mm on October 25th. No significant rain is forecast for the 26th and 27th.
• Maximum temperatures are projected to remain between 27.7°C and 29.2°C, while minimum temperatures will hover between 20.1°C and 21.6°C.
• Relative humidity in the morning will be high, ranging from 79% to 94%, with a significant drop in the evenings, from 36% to 56%.
• Winds are expected to be light, with speeds ranging from 1 km/h to 5 km/h, blowing in various directions throughout the forecast period.

Agricultural Advisory for Farmers:

• Manage Excess Water: Farmers are advised to provide proper drainage to avoid waterlogging in crop fields due to recent rainfall of 14.4 mm recorded over the past four days.
• Postpone Irrigation: Due to expected rainfall, scheduled irrigation should be delayed for irrigated crops.
• Protect Harvested Produce: With rain forecast, ensure harvested produce is stored safely and protected from potential showers.
• Timing for Spraying Operations: Pesticide or nutrient spraying should be carried out during non-rainy hours to ensure effectiveness.
• Sowing Recommendations: Once rainfall decreases after the next 2-3 days, sowing of crops like Sorghum, Chickpea, and Safflower can continue in areas where soil conditions permit.

As the rainfall activity is expected to reduce later in the week, farmers are encouraged to continue regular agricultural practices. However, they should remain cautious and adapt to weather changes, ensuring minimal damage to their crops.

This advisory is crucial for local farmers to take preventive measures and optimize crop yield during this monsoon transition.