Chandigarh: The southwest monsoon is in its final phase in Punjab and is expected to retreat completely by September 20, according to the Meteorological Department. Before its withdrawal, several districts are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall, bringing a brief respite from the lingering humid conditions.
Weather officials said cloud cover and drizzles are likely in parts of the state today. Showers are forecast to intensify slightly on September 17 and 18, particularly in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, and Mohali. Light rainfall may also touch Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
Temperatures are expected to dip with the change in weather. Ludhiana recently reported a maximum of 37.6°C, while Pathankot recorded a minimum of 23.6°C. Meteorologists noted that the upcoming rainfall would lower day temperatures and ease the discomfort caused by high humidity, though no heavy rain warnings have been issued.
Farmers have been advised to safeguard standing crops and prepare their fields to prevent waterlogging or damage from unseasonal showers. The advisory comes at a crucial time, as harvesting season approaches.
Meanwhile, water levels in Punjab’s rivers are steadily receding due to reduced rainfall in the hills, gradually normalising the flood situation. The ongoing cleanliness drive led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is also being carried out across rural areas.
City-wise outlook:
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Amritsar: Light showers expected; 34.8°C maximum; cumulative rainfall 651.9 mm.
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Jalandhar: Likely drizzle with temperature around 33°C; seasonal rainfall stands at 902.7 mm.
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Ludhiana: Intermittent rain forecast; mercury touched 37.6°C; 798.2 mm rainfall recorded so far.
The overall shift is anticipated to leave Punjab with cooler, more pleasant weather conditions as the monsoon gradually bids farewell.
