Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Residents across Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to witness a change in weather over the coming days, with the Meteorological Department forecasting widespread pre-monsoon activity accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. A yellow alert has been issued for the period from June 18 to June 23 as multiple weather systems become active over northwest India.
Meteorologists have predicted that several districts could receive light to moderate rainfall, while strong winds reaching up to 50 kmph may occur during thunderstorms. Officials have advised people to remain cautious during adverse weather, especially in open spaces and near trees or power infrastructure.
For Thursday, weather conditions are expected to favour rainfall in districts including Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Mohali, Patiala, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Rainfall is expected to be scattered rather than widespread, with forecasts indicating a moderate probability of showers in these areas.
Although temperatures have climbed slightly over the past 24 hours, the anticipated cloud cover and rainfall are expected to prevent the return of severe heatwave conditions. Bathinda recorded the state’s highest daytime temperature at 39 degrees Celsius, while most other districts experienced temperatures close to seasonal averages.
Weather experts attribute the changing conditions to an active western disturbance moving across northwest India, combined with a trough extending from Punjab towards eastern India. An upper-level cyclonic circulation over southern Punjab and adjoining regions is also expected to enhance moisture and support thunderstorm development over the next several days.
The warmer conditions have simultaneously driven electricity consumption higher. Power demand in Punjab crossed 14,000 megawatts, reflecting increased cooling requirements as humidity and temperatures remain elevated before the arrival of widespread rainfall.
The forecast indicates that weather activity will intensify on June 19, with showers expected across much of the state and thunderstorms likely in districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda and Mansa.
Rain is expected to continue on June 20, particularly over the Majha, Doaba and central Punjab regions, while squally winds may affect several districts, including Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran and Nawanshahr.
Similar conditions are expected on June 21, with forecasts pointing towards intermittent rainfall and isolated thunderstorms in northern and central Punjab. Authorities have maintained storm alerts for multiple districts, warning that sudden weather changes could temporarily disrupt normal activities.
Meteorological officials say the expected rainfall will be classified as pre-monsoon showers since the southwest monsoon has not yet formally advanced into the region. Nevertheless, the spell is expected to improve atmospheric conditions and provide welcome relief from rising temperatures while creating favourable conditions for the monsoon’s eventual arrival.
