Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The monsoon has entered a temporary lull across Punjab and Chandigarh, leading to a sharp rise in humidity and making weather conditions increasingly uncomfortable despite only a marginal increase in temperatures. Weather officials have cautioned residents in several districts to brace for sticky and sultry conditions over the next few days before rainfall activity is expected to revive.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for humid weather in seven districts—Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala and Mansa—where oppressive moisture levels are likely to persist. While widespread rainfall is not expected immediately, isolated light showers and thunderstorms may occur in districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Rupnagar and Mohali.
According to weather observations, maximum temperatures have increased slightly over the past 24 hours, with Bathinda emerging as the hottest location in the state after recording nearly 39.5 degrees Celsius. Although the rise in temperature has been modest, the high moisture content in the atmosphere has significantly increased discomfort levels.
Meteorologists explained that the current weakening of the monsoon is linked to reduced activity over the plains, while rainfall systems remain more active over the Himalayan region. As a result, Punjab is receiving only limited rainfall, allowing humidity to build up across much of the state.
Experts, however, believe the dry spell will not last long. Forecast models indicate that the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon is likely to regain strength after July 19, potentially triggering a fresh spell of rainfall across Punjab.
If the forecast holds, several districts could witness moderate to widespread showers between July 20 and July 22. The renewed rain is also expected to bring down daytime temperatures by four to five degrees Celsius, offering much-needed relief from the prevailing humid conditions.
Until then, residents have been advised to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon heat and monitor local weather updates, particularly in areas where isolated thunderstorms may develop despite the ongoing monsoon slowdown.
