Chandigarh: Rain activity picked up across parts of Punjab on Friday, with Pathankot witnessing heavy showers as the state observed Raksha Bandhan. The weather department has forecast rain in five districts, while Chandigarh is likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of light drizzle.
The districts identified for possible rainfall are Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar. The northern and eastern parts of the state are expected to see comparatively greater weather activity.
Despite the rain forecast, temperatures across Punjab remain higher than normal. The state’s average temperature is currently 2.8°C above the seasonal average, with humidity adding to the discomfort in several areas.
Chandigarh Could See Another Spell of Drizzle
Cloudy conditions developed over Chandigarh on Thursday, with two brief periods showing signs of rain. Light drizzle was reported, although the quantity was not significant enough to be officially recorded as measurable rainfall.
The weather office has once again forecast partly cloudy conditions for the city, along with the possibility of a light shower or drizzle.
Rupnagar recorded 3.5 mm of rainfall, while other monitoring stations did not report significant precipitation during the period.
Maximum temperatures across Punjab remained between 33.3°C and 39.9°C, reflecting the continued influence of the weakened monsoon and high humidity.
Several Weather Systems Influencing Punjab
The current weather pattern is being shaped by multiple atmospheric systems operating around the region.
A system positioned near North Haryana is influencing weather conditions in neighbouring Punjab and Chandigarh. At the same time, the monsoon trough is extending through the Amritsar-Ambala belt, supporting the possibility of showers in parts of the state.
Another important feature is a low-pressure area over southeastern Uttar Pradesh, which is helping maintain moisture over the surrounding regions.
Together, these systems could result in cloudy skies and isolated spells of rain or thunderstorms.
Northern and Eastern Punjab Likely to Receive More Rain
Rainfall is not expected to be uniform across Punjab.
According to the forecast, areas in the north and east of the state are more likely to receive showers, with Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar among the districts under the current forecast.
The intensity may vary from light showers to moderate rain, with isolated thunderstorms also possible.
Heat Persists Despite Rain Activity
The intermittent showers have not brought a significant reduction in temperatures across the state.
Punjab’s average temperature remains nearly three degrees above normal, and the combination of heat and moisture is likely to keep conditions uncomfortable, particularly in areas that receive little or no rain.
The weather pattern could change temporarily with increased cloud cover and rainfall, but widespread cooling is not expected immediately.
Bhakra and Pong Dams Remain Below Danger Level
Water levels at the state’s major reservoirs remain within the safe range despite continued monsoon activity.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level was recorded at 1,634.61 feet, with an inflow of 32,881 cusecs and an outflow of 25,717 cusecs.
The Pong Dam stood at 1,365.88 feet, receiving 25,476 cusecs of water while releasing 16,405 cusecs.
Both reservoirs are currently below their respective danger levels, and authorities have not indicated any immediate threat.
The Bhakra reservoir level has risen from 1,634.22 feet on August 27 to 1,634.61 feet, marking an increase of 0.39 feet.
For now, weather activity is expected to remain concentrated mainly over northern and eastern Punjab, while Chandigarh residents may have to contend with cloudy skies and occasional drizzle rather than sustained rainfall.
