Rains are expected in the northern plains in the coming days which will help the standing rabi crop as a continued warm spell would have damaged the crops. Traders and analysts had been concerned about the rising temperatures as major winter crops such as wheat, mustard and gram require lower temperature for growth. However, for vegetable crops like potato and tomato, the high temperature ensured that there was no pest infestation. Temperatures will play a critical role over the next two months before harvesting begins.