Chandigarh: After days of humid weather, widespread rainfall has brought noticeable relief across Punjab and Chandigarh, with temperatures falling significantly below seasonal averages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued an Orange Alert, warning of heavy rainfall over the next three days in several parts of the region.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, rainfall activity is expected to remain widespread across Punjab, with districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and Mohali likely to witness intense showers. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also forecast for Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Sangrur.
The recent showers have lowered the maximum temperature by nearly 3.9 degrees Celsius, pushing it below the normal level for this time of the year. Weather officials attribute the change to increased monsoon activity across northern India.
Electricity Demand Remains High
Despite the cooling effect of the rain, electricity consumption across Punjab continues to remain elevated due to lingering humidity. Officials reported that the state’s power demand crossed 14,000 megawatts, with a substantial portion of the supply being sourced from the central grid while the remaining electricity was generated within Punjab.
Heavy rain and gusty winds also caused temporary power disruptions in several districts during the morning hours, affecting electricity supply to residential areas.
Dam Levels Under Control
Authorities have clarified that there is no immediate flood threat from the state’s major reservoirs. Water levels at both the Bhakra and Pong dams continue to rise due to fresh inflows but remain comfortably below their designated danger marks.
Officials have urged residents not to panic, noting that reservoir levels are being monitored continuously.
Weather System Favouring Widespread Rain
Meteorologists say the southward movement of the monsoon trough has strengthened rainfall activity over Punjab, Chandigarh and neighbouring Haryana. As a result, widespread showers are expected to continue, particularly on July 21, with isolated locations likely to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
The department has also issued a short-term weather advisory for several districts, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph and occasional lightning.
Areas including Mansa, Bathinda, Faridkot, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Mukerian are expected to receive moderate rainfall during the alert period, while many other districts may witness intermittent light showers.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents to remain updated with official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and exercise caution during thunderstorms and strong winds.
