Chandigarh: Residents of Punjab and Chandigarh are expected to get continued respite from the scorching summer heat as the weather department has forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the region over the next three days. An Orange Alert has been issued from June 4 to June 6, warning of strong winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph along with the possibility of intense rainfall in some areas.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, temperatures have witnessed a marginal rise of 0.2 degrees Celsius over the past day. Despite the increase, daytime temperatures remain around 2.7 degrees below the seasonal average, keeping heatwave conditions at bay. Faridkot recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts said rainfall activity is likely to be widespread across Punjab on Wednesday. From Thursday onward, precipitation is expected to decrease in the western districts while shifting towards eastern parts of the state and adjoining Chandigarh region. Isolated heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds are also likely during this period.
Across Punjab, maximum temperatures have been recorded between 35°C and 42°C, significantly lower than the levels witnessed during the peak of the recent heatwave.
Rainfall Deficit Continues Despite Recent Showers
Although several districts received rain in the past few days, Punjab’s overall rainfall remains below normal for the month so far. Data from the weather department indicates that the state has recorded an average rainfall of 1.2 mm during the first three days of June, compared with the normal average of 1.5 mm, resulting in a deficit of about 23 percent.
During the 24-hour period ending on June 3 morning, rainfall measurements included 7.8 mm in Amritsar, 4.7 mm in Tarn Taran, 3.8 mm in Gurdaspur, 2.2 mm in Ferozepur and 0.6 mm in Faridkot. However, districts such as Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur reported no rainfall during the same period.
Interestingly, some regions have received substantially higher rainfall than usual. Amritsar recorded rainfall nearly 460 percent above normal for the first three days of June, while Tarn Taran and Ferozepur registered surpluses of 200 percent and 175 percent, respectively. In contrast, districts including Pathankot, Jalandhar, Mohali and Sangrur have yet to receive any measurable rainfall this month.
Monsoon Progress and Western Disturbances Influencing Weather
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather pattern to multiple atmospheric systems currently affecting northern India. The Southwest Monsoon is advancing gradually, with conditions remaining favourable for its further progress over parts of southern India and adjoining seas.
At the same time, an active Western Disturbance over western Uttar Pradesh and another emerging system over northern Pakistan are influencing weather conditions across the northern plains. These systems are expected to trigger intermittent rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several states, including Punjab, over the coming days.
The weather department expects conditions to stabilize after June 6, with drier weather likely to return to most parts of the state. Until then, residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong wind activity.
