Chandigarh: Rainfall activity continued across parts of Punjab and Chandigarh on Independence Day, with the Meteorological Department maintaining a Yellow Alert for the region. While showers brought down temperatures across the state, officials said water levels in the major dams remained below their respective maximum limits.
According to the weather department, Pathankot and Rupnagar are among the areas where rain is likely today. Chandigarh is expected to remain largely cloudy, with isolated spells of rain or thundershowers possible during the day.
Temperature drops after showers
The spell of rain has brought a noticeable change in temperatures. Punjab’s average maximum temperature fell by 3.3°C over the past 24 hours, bringing the mercury closer to normal levels for this time of the year.
Despite the decline, Ferozepur remained the warmest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 34.9°C.
Several parts of Punjab received rainfall on August 14. Among the weather stations reporting significant precipitation, Rauni in Patiala recorded 35 mm, followed by 28.8 mm in Patiala and 25 mm in Ludhiana.
Rainfall of 11.5 mm was recorded at the Ludhiana AWS, while Thein Dam received 5 mm. KVK Pathankot recorded 3 mm, Bathinda 1.5 mm, Chandigarh 0.8 mm and Gurdaspur 0.5 mm.
Weather systems remain active
The latest weather conditions are being influenced by an active monsoon trough, which is extending across Punjab towards Jharkhand and West Bengal. The system is expected to keep skies cloudy and could trigger thunderstorms and showers at isolated locations.
An upper-air Western Disturbance is also active, adding to the possibility of further changes in weather conditions over Punjab and Chandigarh.
Power demand crosses 13,000 MW
Punjab’s electricity requirement remained high despite the rainfall. On Saturday morning, demand touched 13,203 MW.
The state generated 4,209 MW of electricity, while another 8,995 MW was sourced from the central grid. The actual drawal was 393 MW below the scheduled requirement of 9,388 MW.
Bhakra, Pong dams below maximum levels
Meanwhile, water levels at Punjab’s major reservoirs continue to be monitored as inflows remain substantial.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level stood at 1,620.17 feet, against the maximum level of 1,680 feet. The reservoir was receiving 44,394 cusecs of water, while 26,234 cusecs were being released.
At Pong Dam, the water level was recorded at 1,353.41 feet, compared with its maximum level of 1,390 feet. The inflow stood at 29,142 cusecs and the outflow at 15,840 cusecs.
For now, both reservoirs remain below their maximum levels, although the continuing inflow of water means the situation is being closely watched amid the ongoing monsoon spell.
With the monsoon trough and Western Disturbance both influencing the region, more cloudy weather and intermittent rainfall are likely over the coming days.
