Chandigarh: Rain-bearing weather systems continued to influence Punjab on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in three districts of the state.
Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar have been placed under the weather warning, while other parts of Punjab may receive light to moderate showers at isolated locations. Chandigarh is also likely to experience partly cloudy conditions with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
The recent showers have brought down temperatures across the region. Chandigarh’s maximum temperature has fallen by 1.2 degrees Celsius and is now 3.4 degrees below the normal level. Bathinda recorded the highest maximum temperature in Punjab at 34°C.
Rain reported from several districts
Rainfall was recorded in multiple parts of Punjab between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on August 8. Ludhiana received the highest precipitation during this period at 6 mm.
Sangrur recorded 4 mm, while Patiala and Faridkot received 3 mm each. Amritsar registered 0.8 mm, with Pathankot, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ferozepur receiving around 1 mm each.
Smaller amounts of rainfall were also recorded at the Pathankot automatic weather station, Thein Dam and Hoshiarpur. Chandigarh Airport reported only trace rainfall.
Showers likely over the coming days
According to Surendra Paul, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, the monsoon trough continues to remain close to its normal position and is extending across northern India.
The prevailing weather conditions are expected to bring light to moderate rain to several parts of Punjab over the next 24 hours. The department has also forecast rainfall at some locations between August 9 and 12, with another spell possible on August 14.
The presence of a Western Disturbance is adding to the possibility of more intense weather in some areas. Thunderstorms, lightning and spells of heavy rain could occur, prompting the weather department to advise residents to remain alert, particularly in districts covered by the yellow warning.
