Chandigarh: A fresh spell of rain and strong winds has brought noticeable relief from rising temperatures across Punjab and Chandigarh, with the weather department issuing an orange alert for thunderstorms and possible hail activity across the state.
Several areas, including Chandigarh and Mohali, witnessed showers since early morning, leading to a dip in daytime temperatures. Meteorological officials said the average temperature has dropped by nearly 0.8 degrees Celsius over the last 24 hours and currently remains around 2.9 degrees below the seasonal average.
According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, unstable weather conditions are likely to continue throughout the day, with thunderstorms, lightning and winds blowing at speeds of 50 to 60 kmph expected in many districts.
Officials have warned that similar weather activity may persist for the next few days, bringing intermittent rain and cooler conditions until midweek.
Bathinda remained the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius despite the broader cooling trend.
Rainfall was reported from multiple districts during the last 24 hours. Pathankot recorded the highest precipitation, with areas such as Phangota receiving up to 5 mm of rainfall. Other locations including Malikpur, Madhopur, Shahpur Kandi and nearby dam regions also received showers.
Gurdaspur district saw light rainfall in Dhariwal, Tibri and adjoining localities, while parts of Rupnagar, including Nangal and Bhakra Dam, also reported measurable precipitation. Hoshiarpur district’s Salaran region recorded light showers as well.
Temperature readings across the state remained below the 40-degree mark. Chandigarh recorded 36 degrees Celsius, while Ludhiana stood at 36.6 degrees and Patiala at 37.2 degrees.
Faridkot touched 37.5 degrees, Fazilka recorded 37.7 degrees and Ferozepur logged 35.4 degrees. Mohali, Rupnagar and Sri Anandpur Sahib remained in the mid-30s.
Northern districts experienced relatively cooler weather, with Amritsar recording 33.2 degrees, Pathankot 33.1 degrees and Gurdaspur 32 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts attribute the shift to snowfall activity in the hill regions and a fresh western disturbance affecting northwestern India, which has injected moisture and cooler winds into the plains.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open spaces or weak structures as gusty winds and lightning may pose temporary risks in vulnerable areas.
