Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active phase of the monsoon across Punjab and Chandigarh, issuing a heavy rainfall warning for the next four days. The weather department has also sounded an Orange Alert for July 28 and 29, cautioning residents about intense showers, thunderstorms and lightning in several districts.
Rainfall began in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh on Saturday night, bringing a change in weather conditions after a brief period of warm and humid weather. Officials expect the fresh spell of rain to continue over the coming days under the combined influence of a low-pressure system and an active Western Disturbance.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, the state’s maximum temperature has increased by 1.6 degrees Celsius, bringing it close to the seasonal average. Bathinda recorded the highest daytime temperature at 36.8°C, while Chandigarh received around 40 mm of rainfall overnight.
The IMD has predicted widespread rainfall across Punjab on Sunday, with Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar likely to experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Light to moderate showers are also expected in several other districts, including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Mohali, Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala.
Meteorological officials said the monsoon is expected to regain strength over the region due to the formation of a low-pressure area over Rajasthan coupled with the influence of a Western Disturbance affecting north India. These weather systems are likely to keep skies over Punjab and Chandigarh cloudy while producing intermittent rainfall over the next several days.
Despite the changing weather, the state’s electricity supply remained stable. Punjab registered a peak power demand of 13,967 MW on Sunday. State power plants generated 4,417 MW, while the remaining electricity requirement was met through other sources.
Officials said that although the state received 595 MW less power than its allocated share, there was no disruption in electricity supply, and the grid continued to function normally.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that water levels in major dams across the region continue to remain below the danger mark, easing concerns of immediate flood-related risks. However, with heavy rainfall expected over the next few days, the administration is keeping a close watch on reservoir levels and river flows.
The weather department has advised residents to remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall, avoid waterlogged areas, and exercise caution while travelling, especially in districts expected to receive intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
