Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A temporary slowdown in monsoon activity has left Punjab and Chandigarh grappling with warm, humid weather, with only scattered light showers expected over the next few days. Weather officials say the current conditions are likely to persist until the monsoon system regains strength later this month.
The India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh has not issued any weather warning for Monday, indicating that no severe weather is expected. However, cloudy skies are likely to prevail across much of the region, accompanied by isolated spells of rain and drizzle in several districts.
Light showers have been forecast for Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar, while districts including Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib may receive brief drizzles during the day.
In Chandigarh, overcast conditions are expected to continue, with the possibility of light rainfall in some localities. The city may also witness gusty winds, prompting the Municipal Corporation to advise residents to stay away from trees and electric poles to minimise the risk of accidents during sudden wind spells.
Despite the cloudy weather, temperatures have continued to climb. The state’s maximum temperature increased by around 1.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, with Bathinda recording the highest reading at 39.6°C. The combination of rising temperatures and moisture in the air has led to uncomfortable humidity levels across many parts of Punjab.
Rainfall over the past few days has remained patchy. While Mohali and Jalandhar received showers on Monday, Chandigarh recorded only 4 mm of rainfall. Pathankot, which usually receives significant monsoon rain, has gone nearly ten days without any heavy downpour, even though cloud cover has remained persistent.
Meteorologists attribute the subdued rainfall to the current position of the monsoon trough, which has shifted north of its normal location. Although a Western Disturbance is active over neighbouring Pakistan, it has not significantly influenced weather conditions in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Experts say the region is currently experiencing a “break monsoon” phase, characterised by reduced rainfall despite the ongoing monsoon season. During this period, only isolated light to moderate showers are expected, while hot and humid conditions are likely to dominate.
Weather models indicate that the monsoon could become active again around July 21 or 22, once the monsoon trough shifts southwards. Until then, residents are unlikely to see widespread rainfall or any significant relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.
