Chandigarh: After a steady rise in temperatures over the past few days, Punjab and Chandigarh are expected to witness a significant shift in weather conditions as an active western disturbance influences the region. The Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from June 18 to June 23, signalling the arrival of widespread pre-monsoon activity.
According to the forecast, strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph may accompany intermittent showers and thunderstorms in several parts of the state. While rainfall is not expected to cover every area uniformly, isolated to scattered spells are likely to provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat.
Weather officials have predicted pre-monsoon showers in at least 15 districts on Thursday, including Ludhiana, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Mohali, Patiala, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. The probability of rainfall in these areas has been estimated between 25 and 50 per cent.
Despite the changing weather pattern, maximum temperatures climbed by around two degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Bathinda emerged as the hottest location in the state with the mercury touching 39 degrees Celsius. However, officials said heatwave conditions are unlikely in the immediate future due to the expected cloud cover and rainfall.
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to a low-pressure trough stretching from Punjab towards Bihar through Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In addition, an upper-air cyclonic circulation has developed over southern Punjab and adjoining regions, while another western disturbance is expected to become active over northwest India, further enhancing rainfall activity.
The evolving weather conditions have also contributed to rising electricity consumption across the state. Power demand crossed the 14,000-megawatt mark on Wednesday, reflecting increased usage amid warm and humid conditions. A significant share of the electricity requirement continues to be met through the central grid, supplemented by the state’s own power generation.
For June 19, rain is expected across most districts of Punjab, with thunderstorms and squally winds likely in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Bathinda, Moga, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
On June 20, weather activity is likely to continue over northern and central districts, including Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Mohali, while a squall warning has been issued for several border and Doaba districts.
The forecast for June 21 indicates another spell of rain accompanied by thunderstorms in many parts of the state, with storm alerts remaining in place for districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar and Mohali.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of intense weather, avoid sheltering under trees or near electricity infrastructure during thunderstorms and stay updated with official weather advisories. The expected pre-monsoon showers are also likely to create favourable conditions for the eventual advancement of the southwest monsoon into the region.
