Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The approaching monsoon brought an early glimpse of changing weather across Punjab on Sunday, with light rain and gusty winds sweeping through parts of Jalandhar and Ludhiana, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast more rainfall activity over the coming days.
The brief spell of showers offered temporary respite from the intense heat that has gripped the state in recent weeks. Strong winds accompanied the rain in several localities, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures during the morning hours.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre issued a nowcast warning for thunderstorms and lightning until 10:30 a.m. in several districts, advising residents to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions. Areas including Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Phagwara, Nakodar, Shahkot, Sultanpur Lodhi, Khadoor Sahib and Baba Bakala were expected to witness thunderstorms with gusty winds, while isolated lightning activity was also forecast for parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Nawanshahr, Balachaur, Garhshankar, Rupnagar and neighbouring regions.
Chandigarh, however, witnessed relatively stable weather during the morning, though meteorologists indicated that conditions could change as moisture levels increase over the next few days.
Despite the changing weather, temperatures across Punjab continue to remain above normal. According to the Meteorological Department, the state’s average maximum temperature is still nearly 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal average. Bathinda recorded the highest daytime temperature on Saturday at 42.5 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest location in the state.
Forecasters expect the southwest monsoon to enter Punjab shortly, bringing more consistent rainfall and a gradual reduction in daytime temperatures. Until then, weather conditions are likely to remain partly cloudy, with isolated rain and thunderstorms expected in different districts through June 30.
While the mercury is likely to dip marginally, humidity is expected to stay high, resulting in warm and sticky conditions. Maximum temperatures are projected to settle around 39 degrees Celsius during the coming days, whereas minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for Punjab and Chandigarh on July 1 and July 2, forecasting a more active weather system. Several districts are likely to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph.
Officials have advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow updates issued by the Meteorological Department. With the monsoon expected to strengthen this week, authorities are also keeping a close watch on weather developments across the state.
