Chandigarh: Punjab and Chandigarh are set to witness a change in weather conditions on Friday, October 30, as an active Western Disturbance is expected to bring thunderstorms and rainfall to several parts of the region. The possibility of hailstorms has also been indicated in some areas.
The shift comes alongside a decline in temperatures. Punjab’s average maximum temperature has fallen by around 2°C, bringing it close to the seasonal normal. Faridkot recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 34.9°C. Cooler mornings and nights are likely to become more noticeable over the coming days.
12 districts placed under weather alert
The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across 12 districts: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali).
Wind speeds could reach 40–50 kmph during the weather activity.
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast in parts of Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and Mohali. Other districts, including Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala, may receive rain at isolated locations.
Multiple atmospheric systems influencing weather
According to the weather assessment, the current conditions are linked to a Western Disturbance over northern Pakistan and adjoining areas. The system is associated with a cyclonic circulation extending between 3.1 and 4.5 kilometres above sea level, while a trough in the middle and upper levels of the westerly winds is also influencing the region.
Other weather systems include a cyclonic circulation over southern Punjab and neighbouring areas at around 1.5 kilometres, as well as another circulation over northern Haryana and adjoining regions at approximately 0.9 kilometres.
Dry spell forecast from November 1
The rainfall activity is expected to weaken after October 31. The department has forecast largely dry conditions across Punjab between November 1 and 5, with clearer skies expected in Chandigarh after October 30.
Daytime temperatures during this period are likely to remain between 28°C and 30°C in eastern and northern Punjab. Other parts of the state may record maximum temperatures of 30°C to 32°C, with readings expected to stay near or slightly above normal.
Night temperatures, however, are forecast to remain comparatively low. Minimums could settle between 10°C and 12°C in northern Punjab, while parts of Patiala may record 14°C to 16°C. The rest of the state is likely to see minimum temperatures ranging from 12°C to 14°C.
The forecast points towards a noticeable difference between daytime and nighttime conditions, with relatively warm afternoons giving way to chilly mornings and evenings as November begins.
