Warmer than usual IMD predicts February harm to wheat, fruit, and vegetables.

• North India is expected to experience warmer than normal temperatures in February, with below-normal rainfall.

• This could negatively impact the standing wheat crop, fruits, and vegetables.

• Crops like mustard and chickpea may experience early maturity.

• Horticultural crops like apple and other temperate stone fruits may experience premature bud break and early flowering.

• Wheat, India’s most important kharif crop, is usually harvested from February to April.

• Major wheat-producing states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are likely to be most affected.

• Night temperatures are most likely to be ‘above normal’ for the rest of the country