Chandigarh: After days of scorching temperatures, Punjab witnessed a dramatic shift in weather as widespread rain and powerful winds swept across the state, providing significant relief from the heat but also causing widespread destruction. The changing weather has claimed three lives, damaged power infrastructure and disrupted normal life in several districts.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature across Punjab has fallen sharply by over five degrees Celsius and now remains more than six degrees below the seasonal average. Faridkot recorded the highest daytime temperature at 36.7 degrees Celsius, considerably lower than the intense heat experienced earlier this week.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Punjab on Friday, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in districts including Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Rupnagar and Mohali. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions.
The recent spell has also significantly improved rainfall figures. The state received an average rainfall of 9.3 mm during the latest weather event, with Nawanshahr recording the highest precipitation at 55.6 mm. Cumulative rainfall between June 1 and June 12 now stands at 13.7 mm, around six per cent above the normal average for the period.
While the showers have eased the heatwave, they have also exposed the vulnerability of public infrastructure. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has reported losses exceeding ₹2.6 crore after nearly 850 electricity poles and 129 transformers suffered damage due to strong winds and storms. Restoration work is underway in affected areas.
Officials confirmed that three people have lost their lives in separate weather-related incidents during the stormy conditions, prompting renewed appeals for people to avoid unnecessary travel and seek shelter during high winds and lightning activity.
Meteorological experts attribute the current weather pattern to an active western disturbance combined with moisture-laden easterly winds entering the region. Although wind intensity is expected to reduce gradually over the coming days, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue, keeping temperatures below normal.
The department also indicated that the southwest monsoon is progressing as expected and is likely to reach Punjab by the end of June, bringing sustained relief from the summer heat.
Forecasts suggest that districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Mansa will continue to experience rain and thunderstorms over the next two days, while Sangrur, Barnala and Patiala may also witness wet weather as the system remains active across the region.
With the changing weather offering respite but also posing fresh challenges, officials have advised citizens to stay updated on weather warnings and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms.
