Chandigarh: Punjab is likely to receive another spell of rain on Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting showers at isolated locations across nine districts. Parts of Chandigarh may also experience rain or thundershowers as cloudy conditions are expected to persist.
The districts where rainfall has been forecast include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali).
The Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has predicted partly cloudy skies for the city, along with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thunderstorms during the day.
Temperatures Remain Above Normal
Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures across Punjab continue to remain slightly higher than the seasonal average. The state’s maximum temperature remained almost unchanged from Tuesday but was still 1.6°C above normal.
Bathinda emerged as the hottest location in the state, with the mercury touching 38°C. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6°C.
The combination of high humidity and above-normal temperatures could continue to make conditions uncomfortable, particularly during the afternoon.
Chandigarh Records 58.8 mm Rain
Chandigarh received the heaviest rainfall in the region on Tuesday, recording 58.8 mm of rain.
Sangrur received 12.5 mm, while Ludhiana recorded 8.9 mm. Rain was also reported from isolated pockets of Mohali, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Faridkot, although separate rainfall figures were not available for these locations.
Monsoon Trough Supporting Rain Activity
The prevailing weather pattern is being influenced by an active monsoon trough near Punjab. A cyclonic circulation that had developed over north Haryana and adjoining areas has merged with the trough, creating conditions favourable for rainfall in parts of the state.
The system is expected to trigger scattered showers rather than widespread rainfall. Chandigarh is likely to remain under cloudy or partly cloudy skies, with isolated rain and thundershowers possible.
A Western Disturbance is also present, although meteorological officials expect its direct influence on Punjab and Chandigarh to remain limited.
Punjab’s Power Demand Crosses 13,600 MW
Meanwhile, electricity consumption in Punjab remained high amid the warm and humid conditions. The state’s power demand touched 13,674 MW on Tuesday night.
Punjab generated around 4,790 MW of electricity, while another 8,880 MW was procured from outside the state to bridge the gap. The external supply was around 377 MW higher than the stipulated quantity.
Bhakra, Pong Reservoir Levels Below Danger Mark
Water levels at the state’s two major reservoirs remain below their respective danger marks.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level was recorded at 1,633.61 feet. The reservoir was receiving an inflow of 35,447 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 24,782 cusecs.
At Pong Dam, the water level stood at 1,365.44 feet, with an inflow of 24,154 cusecs and an outflow of 16,362 cusecs.
Officials continue to monitor the inflow and discharge at both reservoirs as rainfall activity remains active in parts of the region.
