Chandigarh: The southwest monsoon has become active once again across Punjab and Chandigarh, bringing widespread cloud cover and showers to several regions. Heavy rain lashed Pathankot, while overcast skies persisted in Jalandhar, signalling the return of wet weather across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds on July 28 and 29, with intermittent showers likely to continue through July 31. Although rainfall intensity is expected to ease slightly on August 1 and 2, light to moderate showers are still likely in many areas, with isolated pockets receiving heavy rain.
Despite the fresh spell of rainfall, temperatures remained high in parts of Punjab. Faridkot recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42.1°C over the past 24 hours. Other major cities also witnessed warm conditions, with Bathinda Airport registering 39.6°C, Anandpur Sahib 39°C, and Pathankot 35.7°C. Temperatures in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala hovered around 35°C.
Rainfall activity was recorded in several districts during the last 24 hours. The Thein Dam region in Pathankot received the highest rainfall at 25.5 mm, followed by Anandpur Sahib with 21.5 mm. Ludhiana recorded 14 mm of rain, while Amritsar received a light shower of 0.6 mm.
Chandigarh also experienced a significant spell of rain, recording 40.8 mm over the same period. The city’s maximum temperature settled at 34.8°C, which was 2.2°C below normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 25.4°C, around 1.4°C below the seasonal average. Humidity levels remained high, ranging from 64 per cent to 92 per cent.
According to the IMD, Chandigarh’s maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33°C and 34°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay between 23°C and 25°C over the next five days.
Weather officials have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall, avoid waterlogged areas and stay updated with official advisories, as thunderstorms and strong winds may accompany the ongoing monsoon activity.
