Chandigarh: Punjab is likely to see another spell of monsoon activity on Sunday, with light to moderate rain forecast in several parts of the state. While no weather warning has been issued for any district, meteorologists have indicated that rainfall could intensify from Monday.
Chandigarh is also expected to remain under cloudy skies, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible during the day.
The maximum temperature in Punjab fell marginally by 0.3 degrees Celsius compared with the previous day. Despite the change, temperatures remained largely around the seasonal average. Bathinda recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 36.6°C.
Rain expected in several districts
According to the forecast, parts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and Mohali may receive light to moderate showers.
The remaining districts, including Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur, are likely to witness scattered rainfall.
The weather pattern is being influenced by an active monsoon trough extending through Ferozepur and Punjab, along with a Western Disturbance. According to Chandigarh Meteorological Centre director Surendra Pal, the two systems are not affecting every part of the state with equal intensity, resulting in varying weather conditions across Punjab.
Heavy rain forecast from Monday
While Sunday’s showers are expected to remain largely moderate, the weather department has forecast a stronger spell of rain on August 18.
The changing weather conditions could bring a temporary relief from the recent rise in temperatures, although the distribution of rainfall is expected to remain uneven.
Punjab’s power demand crosses 14,000 MW
Meanwhile, electricity consumption in the state remained high amid the prevailing summer conditions. Punjab’s power demand touched 14,307 MW on Saturday.
The state received 9,590 MW from the central pool, while its own generation contributed 4,722 MW. The government has maintained that there is no shortage of electricity and that arrangements are being made to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Bhakra, Pong reservoirs remain below maximum levels
Water levels in Punjab’s major reservoirs have also risen with continued inflows but remain below their respective maximum limits.
BBMB figures for August 15 showed an inflow of 46,990 cusecs into Bhakra Dam, while 26,158 cusecs was released. The reservoir’s water level stood at 1,620.88 feet against an FRL of 1,680 feet.
At Pong Dam, the inflow was recorded at 29,119 cusecs, with an outflow of 15,817 cusecs. Its water level stood at 1,353.67 feet, compared with the maximum level of 1,390 feet.
For now, both reservoirs remain below their maximum levels, even as authorities continue to keep a close watch on inflows amid the ongoing monsoon activity.
