Chandigarh: After several days of hot and humid weather, residents of Punjab and Chandigarh may finally get some relief as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity beginning July 20. The weather office has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall across parts of the region from July 20 to July 22.
Until then, humid conditions are expected to persist, with partly cloudy skies and above-normal temperatures likely to dominate over the next two days.
Chandigarh remained dry over the past 24 hours, leading to an increase in discomfort levels. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius, which was around 4.5 degrees above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature settled at 26.8 degrees Celsius, while high humidity levels made outdoor conditions uncomfortable throughout the day.
Across Punjab, isolated light showers were reported in a few areas, but they failed to bring any significant respite from the prevailing heat. Bathinda emerged as the hottest location in the state with the mercury touching 41.2 degrees Celsius. Overall, the state’s daytime temperatures remained approximately 3.3 degrees above normal. Hoshiarpur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 26.6 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD, Friday is likely to witness partly cloudy skies across Chandigarh, with the maximum temperature expected to remain around 37 degrees Celsius. On July 19, cloud cover is likely to increase, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and light rain, bringing temperatures down slightly.
A more noticeable change is expected from July 20 onwards as monsoon currents strengthen over the region. Weather officials have predicted widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with heavier showers likely on July 21. If the forecast holds, daytime temperatures in Chandigarh could drop to nearly 30 degrees Celsius, offering substantial relief from the recent heatwave-like conditions.
The weather department has also warned that southern districts of Punjab are likely to continue experiencing intense heat and humidity before the rainfall begins. Residents have been advised to monitor official weather updates and remain cautious during periods of heavy rain, particularly between July 20 and July 22, when isolated waterlogging and reduced visibility may affect daily life.
The anticipated return of widespread rainfall is expected to revive monsoon activity across the state after a brief lull, bringing much-needed relief to both residents and the agriculture sector.
