Chandigarh: Several parts of Punjab are likely to witness unstable weather conditions over the coming days, with the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh issuing a warning for thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across multiple districts. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as changing weather patterns could disrupt normal activities.
According to the latest advisory, nearly 13 districts are under alert for severe weather conditions, with wind speeds expected to touch 60 kmph in some locations. Areas including Budhlada, Lehra, Moonak, Patran, Batala, Ajnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur and Pathankot are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by powerful gusts and lightning.
In several other regions such as Sunam, Fazilka, Muktsar, Jalalabad, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Zira, Patti, Sultanpur Lodhi, Tarn Taran, Khadoor Sahib, Baba Bakala, both Amritsar subdivisions, Mukerian and Dhar Kalan, winds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph are expected along with thunder activity and intermittent lightning.
The weather department has advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees or standing near electric poles during adverse weather. Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors whenever thunderstorms occur and to move to secure locations if caught outside.
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to a trough stretching from Punjab towards Bihar, coupled with the approach of a fresh Western Disturbance expected to become active from June 18. These systems are likely to create favourable conditions for cloud formation, thunderstorms and scattered rainfall across large parts of the state.
Officials also indicated that the southwest monsoon continues to advance under conducive atmospheric conditions, increasing the possibility of widespread precipitation over the next few days.
Despite the expected showers, temperatures are projected to climb gradually. Meteorological Centre Director Surendra Pal said daytime temperatures could increase by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days before stabilising. Light to moderate rainfall is likely between June 15 and June 18, with more extensive showers anticipated on June 19 and isolated rain expected on June 20 and 21.
The department’s district-wise forecast suggests that on June 17, parts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and Mohali may receive light to moderate rainfall.
The weather activity is expected to intensify on June 18, when districts including Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa are also likely to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
By June 19, a broader belt covering Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Patiala, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Mohali is expected to witness rainfall along with squally winds and thunderstorm activity.
With the weather likely to remain volatile, authorities have advised the public, especially farmers, commuters and those engaged in outdoor work, to keep track of official forecasts and take necessary precautions until conditions improve.
