Chandigarh: After several days of hot and humid weather, parts of Punjab witnessed a fresh spell of rain on Sunday morning, bringing much-needed relief to residents. Showers were reported from Mohali, while overcast conditions and cool winds signalled a change in weather across neighbouring areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a short-term rain alert for several districts, warning of moderate showers during the morning hours.
According to the weather department, rainfall activity is expected to continue in parts of the state until around 10:45 AM, with moderate showers likely over Mohali, Chandigarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Kharar, Rupnagar, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Mukerian, Dasuya, Balachaur, Nawanshahr, Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, Samrala and Nangal, among other locations.
The IMD has also forecast light rainfall in several central and southern districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Ludhiana, Khanna, Malerkotla, Moga, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Nakodar, Phillaur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Jagraon, Raikot, Shahkot and Baba Bakala.
Weather officials said the fresh rain spell is associated with active monsoon conditions over the region and is expected to provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.
While Chandigarh remained largely dry during the early hours, cloudy skies and cooler winds indicated that weather conditions were becoming favourable for rainfall later in the day.
The Meteorological Department has predicted that temperatures across the Tricity and adjoining areas are likely to decline gradually from July 20 as monsoon activity strengthens.
The five-day forecast suggests partly cloudy skies on July 19, with the maximum temperature hovering around 35°C. From July 20 onwards, thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain are expected at several places. Daytime temperatures are projected to fall to nearly 30°C by July 21, offering significant respite from the recent spell of oppressive weather.
Rain-bearing clouds are expected to persist through July 23, with intermittent showers and thunderstorm activity likely across many parts of Punjab.
The weather department has advised residents to remain updated with local forecasts, especially those travelling during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms, as brief waterlogging and reduced visibility may occur in low-lying areas.
