Chandigarh: Residents of Punjab and Chandigarh can expect a spell of unsettled weather over the coming days, with the Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, gusty winds and intermittent rainfall across several districts. The weather system is expected to remain active for the next three days as the southwest monsoon edges closer to the region.
According to officials at the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, wind speeds during thunderstorm activity may reach between 40 and 50 kmph. While rainfall is likely to bring temporary relief in some areas, temperatures have already climbed by around 2.5 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day.
Patiala recorded the highest daytime temperature in the state, touching 38.8°C, as temperatures returned to near-normal levels after recent fluctuations.
Rainfall Forecast for Multiple Districts
Weather experts have issued a caution for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds in several districts, including Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali. Light to moderate showers are also expected in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga and Rupnagar.
Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to two active systems influencing northwestern India. One system has shifted towards Uttar Pradesh after passing over Punjab, while another remains positioned over neighbouring Haryana. Their combined impact is expected to generate cloud cover, scattered showers and occasional thunderstorm activity across the state.
Monsoon Likely to Reach Punjab by Month-End
The India Meteorological Department has indicated that the monsoon could enter Punjab between June 25 and June 30. Among the state’s major cities, Amritsar is expected to receive the first monsoon showers, while Bathinda may witness its arrival later than other regions.
For Chandigarh, monsoon onset is anticipated between June 27 and June 30, with more widespread seasonal rainfall likely around June 28 and 29.
Temperatures May Rise Before Major Rainfall
Surendra Pal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, said that while rainfall is expected in phases through June 26 and again around June 29, temperatures may continue to increase slightly over the next few days. Maximum temperatures could rise by an additional 2 to 3 degrees Celsius before the monsoon becomes fully active.
He added that strong winds, lightning and isolated thunderstorms will remain possible in various parts of Punjab during this period.
District-Wise Outlook
June 25: Thunderstorms and rain are likely in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar and Mohali.
June 26: Similar conditions are expected in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and Mohali.
June 27: No weather warning has been issued, and most areas are expected to experience largely dry conditions.
With monsoon clouds drawing closer, residents have been advised to stay updated on weather advisories, particularly in districts where strong winds and lightning are forecast.
