Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a significant increase in rainfall activity across Punjab over the next 48 hours, issuing a Yellow Alert for six districts where heavy showers are expected. The weather system is likely to bring much-needed relief from the persistent heat and humidity that have continued despite the onset of the southwest monsoon.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Mohali are expected to witness isolated spells of heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. Rainfall is also predicted in 21 districts across the state, with cloudy skies expected to prevail throughout the day.
Several districts, including Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur and Patiala, are likely to receive light to moderate showers. Similar weather conditions are also expected at a few places in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga and Bathinda.
Even as monsoon activity gradually strengthens, soaring temperatures have continued to trouble residents. Faridkot emerged as the hottest location in Punjab on Tuesday, recording a maximum temperature of 42.4 degrees Celsius. The state’s average maximum temperature also registered an increase of 1.3 degrees Celsius, adding to discomfort caused by high humidity.
The prolonged spell of hot weather has also pushed electricity consumption to elevated levels. Punjab’s power demand touched 15,003 megawatts on Tuesday. Of this, 4,673 MW was generated within the state, while 10,578 MW was supplied through the central power pool to meet the growing requirement.
Meanwhile, the Bhakra Beas Management Board reported a steady rise in reservoir inflows following rainfall in the catchment areas. The Bhakra Dam recorded a water level of 1,567.02 feet, receiving an inflow of 38,018 cusecs and releasing 23,229 cusecs. At Pong Dam, the water level stood at 1,318.71 feet, with an inflow of 17,875 cusecs and an outflow of 15,500 cusecs.
Meteorological Centre Director Surender Paul said weather conditions remain favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance across the remaining parts of Punjab within the next two to three days. With only two districts yet to come under the monsoon’s influence, officials expect rainfall activity to intensify across the state. The presence of an active western disturbance is also likely to strengthen the system, increasing the chances of widespread rain and bringing gradual relief from the prevailing heat in the coming days.
