Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Punjab and Chandigarh, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next two days. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as the active monsoon system is expected to intensify weather conditions across several districts.
According to the latest weather observations, Punjab recorded a slight decline in daytime temperatures over the past 24 hours, while minimum temperatures witnessed a marginal increase. Overall, temperatures continue to remain close to seasonal averages despite intermittent rainfall across the state.
Several districts received light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas. Abohar in Fazilka district recorded the highest rainfall at 15.5 mm, closely followed by Gurdaspur with 15.4 mm. Other notable rainfall figures included Muktsar (14 mm), Hoshiarpur (13 mm), Bhakra Dam area in Rupnagar (12.5 mm), Balachaur region of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (12 mm), Amritsar (11.6 mm), Ferozepur (9 mm) and Ludhiana (7.4 mm).
Despite the rainfall, Bathinda remained the hottest location in Punjab, registering a maximum temperature of 35°C. Chandigarh and Abohar both recorded highs of 34.8°C, while Faridkot touched 34°C. Ludhiana and Patiala reported maximum temperatures of 33.8°C, whereas Amritsar remained comparatively cooler at 31.1°C.
Night temperatures also varied across the state, with Gurdaspur recording the lowest minimum at 24.7°C. Chandigarh registered a minimum temperature of 25.2°C, while Bathinda recorded 25.6°C.
The weather office has predicted that rain-bearing clouds will continue to influence the region through July 28 and 29, with isolated spells of heavy rainfall likely in several districts. Strong winds and thunderstorms may accompany the showers, increasing the possibility of localized disruptions.
In Chandigarh, rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season has remained below the long-term average. Since June 1, the city has received 249.1 mm of rainfall, approximately 32 per cent lower than normal for this period.
The IMD has warned that intense rainfall could lead to waterlogging in urban centres and low-lying areas, potentially affecting traffic movement and daily life. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, stay away from flooded roads, and remain alert to official weather advisories.
Disaster management authorities and local administrations are monitoring the situation closely as the state prepares for another spell of active monsoon weather.
