Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A fresh spell of unstable weather is set to impact Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana this week after a new western disturbance became active over north India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for thunderstorms, gusty winds and scattered rainfall across the region.
The weather system is expected to remain active through the coming days, with Monday likely to witness the most intense activity. Authorities have placed several districts under an orange alert, warning residents to stay prepared for strong winds, lightning strikes and moderate rain.
According to meteorological officials, atmospheric circulation over Rajasthan and adjoining regions, coupled with moisture incursion from the west, is creating favourable conditions for pre-monsoon storm activity. The disturbance is expected to trigger widespread cloud cover and intermittent showers before gradually weakening later in the week.
Weather experts said Chandigarh and nearby areas including Mohali and Panchkula are likely to witness cloudy skies accompanied by spells of rain and gusty winds over the next three days. Wind speeds may touch 50 to 60 kmph during peak thunderstorm activity.
Across Punjab, several districts could experience isolated showers along with lightning and strong surface winds. Though temperatures have remained below seasonal averages in many parts, southwestern districts continue to record relatively higher readings. Bathinda remained among the hottest locations recently, with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius.
Haryana is also likely to receive similar weather conditions, with isolated heavy gusts and thunderstorms expected in parts of the state. Some southern districts, including Faridabad and Bhiwani, have continued to experience elevated daytime temperatures despite the changing weather pattern.
The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing near electric poles and trees, and stay away from water bodies during lightning activity. Farmers have also been urged to suspend field operations temporarily during severe weather conditions.
Meteorologists expect conditions to gradually improve by the weekend, after which temperatures are likely to rise again, bringing back warmer and drier weather across the region.
