Chandigarh: Punjab is likely to see a fresh spell of monsoon activity from August 14, with the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh forecasting heavy rain at isolated places across the state over the following few days.
The weather office has issued a heavy-rain alert for August 14 to 18, covering the Independence Day period. Although no specific warning has been issued for Thursday, rain remains possible in different parts of Punjab.
For now, light to moderate showers are likely in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Patiala, while other districts may receive scattered rainfall.
Temperature jumps after dry spell
The relatively dry conditions on Wednesday pushed temperatures higher across the state. The average maximum temperature increased by 4.6°C, bringing it closer to the seasonal normal.
The highest temperature of 37.4°C was recorded at the Bhakra Dam site. Pathankot witnessed a sharp day-on-day rise of 9.8°C, while Chandigarh’s temperature climbed by around 7°C.
Despite the expected improvement in rainfall activity, Punjab’s monsoon tally remains below normal. The state has received 195.1 mm of rain so far, against the normal figure for the period, reflecting a 32% rainfall deficit.
Bay of Bengal system may strengthen rain activity
Weather conditions over the region are being influenced by multiple systems. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is strengthening and is expected to intensify further before moving towards the northwest.
Another system is active over southern Haryana, while a Western Disturbance continues to influence the broader weather pattern.
The combined effect of these systems could result in a noticeable increase in rainfall across Punjab and Chandigarh between August 14 and 18. Some areas could receive heavy showers during this period.
Bhakra, Pong dams below maximum levels
The water position at Punjab’s major reservoirs remains below the respective maximum limits.
The level at Bhakra Dam is 1,616.2 feet, around 64 feet below its maximum level of 1,680 feet. At Pong Dam, the water level stands at 1,351.73 feet, nearly 38 feet below its maximum limit of 1,390 feet.
Officials are keeping track of inflows as water continues to enter the reservoirs. At present, the levels at both dams are not considered to indicate a flood-like situation.
Power demand crosses 12,500 MW
The rise in temperature has also kept electricity consumption elevated. Punjab’s power demand touched 12,594 MW on Wednesday.
The state generated 4,341 MW from its own sources and obtained another 8,254 MW from the central grid. Against a scheduled drawal of 8,238 MW, the actual withdrawal was around 16 MW higher.
With temperatures expected to fluctuate and rainfall likely to increase from August 14, weather conditions will remain a key factor for both power demand and agricultural activity across the state.
