Chandigarh: Growing inconsistency in rainfall data recorded by various weather stations across the Tricity -- Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali -- has sparked concern among residents and weather observers. The discrepancies, particularly between automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and manual observatories, have highlighted challenges of monitoring highly localised monsoon activity.On Friday, the AWS at KB DAV School, Sector 7, recorded 16mm rainfall, while the Sector 39 observatory, which uses manual instruments, reported 35.8 mm -- more than double. The airport station, which includes both AWS and manual systems, reported no rainfall at all.This is not an isolated case. On August 19, Sector 7 AWS recorded 35mm rain, while the one in Sector 39 registered only a trace, indicating a slight drizzle. The airport reported zero precipitation. Such variations have been observed repeatedly, raising questions on the reliability and synchronisation of the region's weather monitoring infrastructure.Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) acknowledged the inconsistencies but clarified that rainfall data from all stations -- AWS and manual -- is compiled on a weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual basis for official records. However, the AWS in Sector 37 is currently non-functional. Plans are underway to revive it, and a new AWS is also being set up at the farmers' commission on Airport Road, Mohali, where land has already been allocated.Surender Paul, director, Chandigarh weather department, explained that such disparities are often caused by microclimatic variations. He noted that Panchkula, being closer to the hills, tends to receive more rainfall and remains cooler, while Mohali is relatively warmer. On Friday, Mohali recorded 79 mm and Panchkula recorded 112.5 mm rainfall, significantly higher than Chandigarh.Paul also pointed out that while AWSs are useful for real-time data, their sensors are not as reliable as manual systems, such as those at Sector 39 and the airport. Experts suggest that the growing reliance on AWSs must be balanced with regular calibration and cross-verification to ensure data accuracy.