Chandigarh: Rain activity intensified across parts of Punjab on Thursday, with Pathankot receiving heavy showers and the weather office forecasting more rainfall over the state and Chandigarh through August 19. The spell has also affected rail connectivity in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, where four train services on the Pathankot-Baijnath Paprola section have been suspended until further notice following rain and landslide-related damage.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert, warning of isolated spells of heavy rain in parts of the region.
Pathankot among areas likely to receive heavy rain
Rain is expected across all districts of Punjab, although its intensity is likely to vary.
Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar could receive heavy showers at isolated locations. Several other districts, including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala, are likely to see light to moderate rainfall at some places.
Similar conditions may occur at isolated locations in Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala and Mansa.
The combination of cloud cover, moisture and an active monsoon system could also bring thunderstorms and gusty winds to some areas.
Rain disrupts rail services in Kangra Valley
The impact of the weather has extended beyond Punjab. Heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region has affected railway operations, with falling stones and damage along the tracks disrupting services.
Railway authorities have cancelled four services on the Pathankot-Baijnath Paprola route until further notice. The affected trains are 52467, 52470, 52474 and 52465.
Some other services have also been curtailed. Train number 52464, operating from Baijnath Paprola towards Jawalamukhi Road, will now terminate at Koparlahar. Train number 52469 will similarly begin its journey from Koparlahar rather than Jawalamukhi Road.
Officials said restoration work on the affected railway stretches is being undertaken on priority to resume normal operations.
Temperature remains above normal
Despite the increase in rainfall activity, temperatures have not yet fallen significantly across Punjab.
The state’s average maximum temperature increased by 0.7°C over the previous day and remained 2.7°C above normal. Patiala recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37.2°C.
The expected increase in cloud cover and rainfall over the coming days could, however, bring some moderation in daytime temperatures.
Multiple weather systems driving rainfall
According to Surinderpal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, the monsoon trough is currently influencing weather conditions across parts of northern India.
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is also contributing to the changing weather pattern. Along with an active Western Disturbance, these systems are expected to keep rainfall activity alive over Punjab and Chandigarh.
The weather office has therefore forecast periods of rain through August 19, with some locations likely to experience thunderstorms and strong winds.
With rain affecting both road and rail connectivity in adjoining hill areas, commuters have been advised to remain alert and check travel conditions before setting out, particularly on routes passing through areas vulnerable to waterlogging, landslides and falling debris.
