Chandigarh: After enduring several days of blistering temperatures and dry weather, residents of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula witnessed a noticeable change in conditions on Friday morning as cloudy skies and a sweeping duststorm moved across the region. While the storm slightly reduced the harsh glare of the sun, the relief remained limited as intense heat and humidity continued to trouble people across the tricity.
The day began with overcast conditions and light winds, which gradually intensified into a moderate duststorm by around 8.30 am. The sudden change in weather came amid an ongoing severe heatwave that has gripped the region since earlier this week. Authorities have already issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions until May 27.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) later issued a yellow alert, warning of possible thunderstorms, scattered rainfall and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph over Chandigarh and nearby areas within a few hours. Weather radar images also indicated active storm development around the region. Residents were advised to remain indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or unstable structures.
Neighbouring districts in Punjab are also likely to witness turbulent weather conditions. The IMD forecast stronger thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds reaching up to 60 kmph in parts of Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar, Nawanshahr and adjoining areas. Several other districts, including Patiala, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, are expected to experience lighter storm activity.
Although Chandigarh recorded a trace of rainfall overnight — the first minor precipitation in more than a week — temperatures remained unusually high during the night. The city registered a minimum temperature above normal levels, while nearby Mohali and parts of Punjab also reported warm overnight conditions. Patiala and Faridkot remained among the warmest locations in the state during the night.
Despite Friday’s cloudy skies offering a temporary break from the scorching heat, officials cautioned that the heatwave threat is far from over. Chandigarh had already recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius earlier this week, making it one of the hottest May periods in recent years.
According to the latest forecast, daytime temperatures may dip slightly over the next two days, with partly cloudy skies likely to persist. However, meteorologists warn that unless the region receives substantial rainfall, the current relief may prove short-lived as heatwave conditions are expected to continue in many parts of Punjab and Haryana over the coming days.
