Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another active phase of the monsoon across Punjab and Chandigarh, issuing an Orange Alert for the next three days as heavy rainfall is expected to affect several districts. The fresh spell has already brought a significant dip in temperatures, offering relief from the intense heat experienced over the past week.
According to weather officials, daytime temperatures have fallen by nearly four degrees Celsius below the seasonal average following widespread showers. The changing weather pattern is expected to keep conditions pleasant in many areas while increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Rupnagar, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar are likely to witness heavy rainfall during the warning period. Similar conditions, accompanied by lightning and strong winds, are also expected in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Sangrur.
Meteorologists have attributed the increased rainfall activity to the southward shift of the monsoon trough, which has enhanced cloud formation over the plains of North India. The department expects widespread rainfall to continue over the coming days, with several areas likely to receive moderate to heavy showers.
Electricity Consumption Remains Elevated
Even as rainfall has brought cooler conditions, humidity continues to drive electricity consumption across Punjab. The state’s power demand has crossed 14,300 megawatts, with electricity being supplied through a combination of the central power pool and state-owned generating stations.
Weather-related disruptions also affected electricity distribution in some areas, where rain and strong winds caused temporary outages during the morning hours.
Reservoir Levels Closely Monitored
Officials have assured residents that water levels in the Bhakra and Pong reservoirs remain well within safe limits despite steady inflows from recent rainfall. Authorities said there is currently no threat of flooding from the dams, although reservoir levels continue to be monitored round the clock.
Advisory for Residents
The IMD has issued a short-term warning for multiple districts where moderate rainfall, lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph are likely during the day. Areas across Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Mukerian are expected to receive moderate showers, while several other parts of the state may witness light rainfall.
Authorities have advised people to remain alert, avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, and exercise caution while travelling through waterlogged or low-lying areas. Residents have also been urged to stay updated through official weather bulletins as the monsoon remains active across the region.
