Chandigarh: Weather conditions remained unsettled across Punjab and Chandigarh on Thursday, with rainfall reported from several parts of the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of light to moderate rain in various parts of Punjab on Friday, while Chandigarh is likely to remain partly cloudy with isolated showers possible.
The change in weather has also brought down temperatures. The maximum temperature across Punjab fell by 2.2 degrees Celsius, leaving it around 2.2 degrees below the seasonal average. Sri Anandpur Sahib recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36°C.
Despite the recent showers, Punjab has received around 30 per cent less rainfall than normal during the current monsoon season.
Hoshiarpur receives maximum rain
According to the IMD, Hoshiarpur recorded the highest rainfall at 18 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm on Thursday.
Rainfall was also reported from several other locations, including Ludhiana (11.5 mm), Fatehgarh Sahib (11 mm), Chandigarh (10.7 mm), Ludhiana city (5.4 mm), the Bhakra Dam area (5 mm), Anandpur Sahib (0.5 mm) and Patiala (0.4 mm).
Several districts, however, remained largely dry during the period. No rainfall was recorded in places including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sangrur and Tarn Taran.
Weather likely to remain changeable
Meteorological Centre Chandigarh director Surendra Pal said the monsoon trough is currently passing through Ferozepur, while a Western Disturbance remains active over north-west India.
The combined influence of these weather systems is expected to keep conditions variable across Punjab over the coming week. Light to moderate rainfall may occur at several locations, while isolated areas could witness heavier showers accompanied by thunder and lightning.
The rainfall is also expected to keep temperatures from rising sharply and could provide some relief from the prevailing humidity.
Water levels rise but remain below danger marks
The recent rainfall has increased water inflows into the Bhakra and Pong reservoirs, although both remain below their respective danger levels.
The water level at Bhakra Dam was reported at 1,607.95 feet, against a danger mark of 1,680 feet. The reservoir was receiving around 41,392 cusecs of water, while approximately 22,693 cusecs was being released.
At Pong Dam, the water level stood at 1,344.4 feet, compared with the reported danger mark of 1,400 feet. The inflow was around 34,538 cusecs, while the outflow stood at approximately 13,450 cusecs.
Rain brings down Punjab’s power demand
The cooler conditions also reduced electricity consumption in the state. Punjab’s peak power demand on Thursday stood at around 13,080 MW.
The state generated approximately 5,002 MW, while another 8,119 MW was sourced from the national grid. Grid frequency was recorded at 49.98 Hz, with the power supply situation remaining stable.
With rainfall expected to continue intermittently, residents across Punjab and Chandigarh can expect fluctuating weather conditions over the next several days, with isolated heavy showers remaining a possibility.
