Chandigarh: After days of dry weather, Punjab and Chandigarh are expected to witness a noticeable change in conditions starting Sunday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, gusty winds and scattered rainfall across several areas over the next three days.
Officials said no rain or heatwave warning has been issued for Saturday, but atmospheric changes are likely to trigger unstable weather from May 11 onward. A yellow alert has been sounded for parts of the region, cautioning residents about dust storms, lightning activity and strong surface winds.
Temperature levels across Punjab remained under control despite a slight increase of around 1.6 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day. Bathinda recorded the highest temperature in the state at 39.1 degrees Celsius, though it remains below the seasonal average.
Several other districts also reported moderate readings, with Chandigarh registering 35.1 degrees Celsius, while Amritsar recorded 35.5, Ludhiana 35.2 and Patiala touched 36 degrees. Similar temperatures were noted in Pathankot, Mohali, Faridkot, Fazilka and Ferozepur.
Weather experts attributed the expected shift to a fresh western disturbance likely to impact the western Himalayan belt late Saturday night. In addition, upper-air cyclonic activity over adjoining regions is influencing weather patterns across northwestern India.
According to Chandigarh Meteorological Centre Director Surender Pal, light to moderate showers are likely at isolated places between May 11 and May 14, accompanied by wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph in some pockets.
He added that after this spell, dry weather is expected to return, while daytime temperatures could gradually climb by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius over the coming week. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during storm activity and avoid unnecessary travel during high-wind periods.
