Warmer, drier Feb likely to hit wheat crop: IMD

THE India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast a drier and hotter February which would cause adverse impact on standing food grain crops like wheat at flowering and grain filling stages.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @ New Delhi

Horticulture crops like apple and stone fruits may experience premature bud break.

January 2025 was the third warmest and received the fourth lowest rainfall since 1901. In its February forecast, the IMD said the rainfall averaged over North India is most likely to be below normal. "Further, monthly rainfall over the country as a whole during February 2025 is also most likely to be below normal," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, meteorology.