Chandigarh: The southwest monsoon has temporarily lost intensity across Punjab, bringing a spell of humid weather even as isolated rainfall continues in some parts of the state. While showers were reported from Jalandhar and Mohali, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain in select districts on Monday, with no major weather system expected over the next few days.
The department has predicted rainfall at isolated locations in 13 districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali.
Meteorologists said the monsoon is likely to remain subdued until July 18, resulting in higher humidity levels and warmer daytime conditions despite occasional showers.
Chandigarh likely to witness cloudy skies
The weather office has forecast a generally cloudy day for Chandigarh, with the possibility of brief rain or thundershowers. However, no weather warning has been issued for the Union Territory, indicating that any rainfall is expected to remain localised.
Tragedy strikes at Bhakra Canal
Amid the changing weather, a tragic incident was reported from Patiala district, where two youngsters went missing after being swept away in the Bhakra Canal.
According to local authorities, a group of five friends had entered the canal to bathe near the Patiala-Nabha road on Sunday evening when the strong current dragged two of them away. The remaining three were rescued safely.
Divers and rescue teams continued search operations late into the evening in an effort to trace the missing boys.
Members of the Bhole Shankar Divers Club, who joined the rescue effort, said the canal’s swift current made the operation challenging.
Humidity expected to rise
The IMD has indicated that although widespread rainfall is unlikely over the next several days, moisture levels will remain high across Punjab. As a result, residents are expected to experience hot and humid conditions, particularly during afternoon hours.
Weather experts have advised people to remain cautious near rivers, canals and other water bodies, especially during intermittent spells of rain, as water levels and currents can change unexpectedly. Authorities have also urged parents to discourage children from entering canals and reservoirs during the monsoon season.
