Chandigarh: Residents of Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to witness another spell of unsettled weather as meteorologists have issued an orange alert for the next two days, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across several districts.
The change in weather is being linked to a fresh western disturbance affecting northwestern parts of the country. Forecasts indicate that wind speeds could reach up to 60 kmph in some areas, accompanied by intermittent rainfall and thunderstorm activity.
Weather officials said temperatures remain relatively comfortable for this time of the year despite a slight rise over the past 24 hours. Bathinda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 40 degrees Celsius, while most districts remained below the heatwave threshold.
Several districts in southern and central Punjab are expected to experience stronger winds, while rain-bearing clouds are likely to affect other parts of the state, including border and Doaba regions. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of intense weather activity, particularly in open areas and near weak structures.
The recent spell of cooler weather has also impacted electricity consumption. Power demand has remained lower than expected compared to previous weeks when extreme heat pushed consumption levels upward. However, officials anticipate a rise in demand with the ongoing paddy cultivation season.
Meteorological experts noted that conditions remain favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon, while an upper-air circulation over neighbouring regions is also contributing to changing weather patterns.
Rainfall activity is expected to remain active until June 6, with scattered showers and thunderstorms forecast across much of Punjab. The weather department has indicated that temperatures may fluctuate over the coming days but are unlikely to reach severe heatwave levels in the immediate future.
The evolving weather system is expected to provide continued relief from the intense summer heat that affected the region earlier in May.
