Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Unseasonal rainfall triggered by an active Western Disturbance has brought a sudden chill across Punjab, with several districts witnessing a significant drop in temperatures and ongoing rain since early Tuesday. The abrupt weather change has prompted authorities to issue a yellow alert for 12 districts on Tuesday, October 7.
The alert covers Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Mohali. Of these, Ludhiana and Jalandhar have already been soaked in rain since morning, with persistent showers and gusty winds disrupting daily life.
According to weather officials, the maximum temperature across the state dropped sharply—by more than 8°C within 24 hours—leaving residents surprised by the early onset of cold conditions. The state’s maximum temperature on Monday settled at levels 9°C below the seasonal average, with Faridkot recording the highest at only 28.1°C.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of wind speeds reaching up to 40 km/h in the affected areas, which may lead to localized disruptions. However, weather in other parts of the state is expected to remain relatively stable.
Water Levels Recede in Dams After Controlled Discharge
Meanwhile, following continuous rainfall over the past few days, authorities opened floodgates at key reservoirs to manage rising water levels. With steady outflow now bringing the situation under control, officials have begun reducing discharge levels, offering relief to low-lying areas that had been under threat of waterlogging and flooding.
Emergency teams remain on alert in vulnerable districts, while local administrations have advised residents to exercise caution during travel, especially in areas with poor drainage or exposed to strong winds.
With the current system expected to weaken midweek, weather experts predict clearer skies and a gradual return to normal temperatures. However, the early cold spell and heavy showers have already made an impact on daily routines, especially in northern and central Punjab.
