Chandigarh: Punjab is likely to experience a brief spell of light rainfall in its northern districts on Friday, while most other parts of the state are expected to see dry weather. The Meteorological Department has forecast possible showers in Pathankot and Hoshiarpur, with no major change in temperatures across Punjab and Chandigarh over the next five days.
The two districts, which share a border with Himachal Pradesh, may receive very light to light rain under the influence of a Western Disturbance currently affecting Kashmir and adjoining areas. The system is influencing westerly winds in the middle levels of the atmosphere. Once this weather activity passes, conditions are expected to turn dry across the state.
Fog could also affect visibility in some areas, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. The department has indicated that light to moderate fog may occur at isolated places.
Temperatures remain above seasonal average
Punjab did not receive any rainfall during the 24 hours preceding the latest weather assessment. The average maximum temperature edged up by 0.2 degrees Celsius, taking it to 1.8 degrees above the normal level for this time of year.
Bathinda remained the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius.
The forecast suggests that neither daytime highs nor nighttime temperatures will undergo any significant shift in Punjab and Chandigarh until the next five days. After November 13, predominantly dry conditions are expected to continue.
Punjab records higher pollution than Chandigarh
While the weather outlook remains relatively steady, air quality continues to be a concern in several parts of Punjab amid stubble-burning incidents. Chandigarh recorded an AQI of 91, but seven Punjab cities reported readings above the Union Territory’s level.
Ludhiana registered the worst air quality among the listed cities, with an AQI of 288. Bathinda followed at 246, while Amritsar recorded 221 and Patiala 211. Khanna reported an AQI of 174, Mandi Gobindgarh 155 and Jalandhar 150.
Rupnagar, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of 50, which was 41 points below Chandigarh’s reading. The contrasting figures highlight the uneven pollution situation across the region, even as much of Punjab prepares for another stretch of largely dry weather.
