Chandigarh: The southwest monsoon has temporarily lost momentum over Punjab and Chandigarh, resulting in a spell of warm and humid weather even as overcast skies continue to dominate much of the region. With heavy rainfall remaining absent, residents are likely to experience sticky conditions over the coming days.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, no weather alert has been issued for Monday (July 14). However, light rain or drizzle is expected at isolated locations across nearly 16 districts of Punjab, while temperatures are forecast to edge upwards.
The maximum temperature recorded on Monday rose by around 1.5 degrees Celsius, staying close to the seasonal average. Bathinda registered the highest daytime temperature in the state at 39.6°C.
Weather officials have predicted light rainfall in districts including Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar. Drizzle is also likely in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar Sahib, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali.
Chandigarh is also expected to witness cloudy conditions with scattered light showers in some areas. Gusty winds are likely during the day, prompting the Municipal Corporation to advise residents to avoid standing under trees or near electricity poles as a precaution against weather-related accidents.
Although several parts of Mohali and Jalandhar received rainfall on Monday, Chandigarh recorded only 4 mm of precipitation, reflecting the subdued nature of the current monsoon spell.
Meteorologists attribute the lull in rainfall to the monsoon trough shifting north of its usual position. At the same time, a Western Disturbance remains active over Pakistan but is not significantly influencing weather patterns across Punjab and Chandigarh. As a result, the region is witnessing conditions similar to a “break monsoon,” where rainfall activity reduces despite the ongoing monsoon season.
Weather experts believe only isolated light to moderate showers are likely over the next few days, while hot and humid conditions will continue across most districts. A more widespread spell of rain is expected only after the monsoon trough gradually moves southward, which is likely around July 21 or 22.
Until then, residents may have to cope with rising humidity and above-average discomfort, with no major relief from the prevailing weather conditions expected in the immediate future.
