Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is likely to witness another spell of active monsoon weather, with heavy rain forecast in parts of the state on August 17 and 18. The Meteorological Department expects cloudy conditions and light to moderate showers across several areas, while isolated locations could receive intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
The weather is expected to become comparatively calmer after August 18. Between August 19 and 22, only scattered showers are likely, and no weather alert has been issued for these days.
Amritsar receives 40.1 mm rain
Amritsar emerged as the wettest location in the state during the previous 24 hours, recording 40.1 mm of rainfall. Jalandhar received 14 mm, while Rupnagar recorded 13 mm.
Rainfall was also reported from Pathankot, Patiala, Ludhiana and Mohali, which received 4 mm, 3.4 mm, 2.8 mm and 2 mm, respectively. Chandigarh recorded only a trace of rain.
Mercury remains above normal
The rainfall did not bring down the state’s overall temperature significantly. Punjab’s average maximum temperature increased by 1.1°C and remained 1.7°C above normal.
Bathinda continued to record the highest daytime temperature at 36.5°C. Rupnagar followed at 36.3°C, while Patiala and Ferozepur recorded 36.1°C each. Faridkot’s maximum temperature stood at 36°C.
At night, Amritsar was the coolest among the reported locations, with the mercury dropping to 22.9°C.
Cloud cover over Chandigarh
Chandigarh is expected to remain under predominantly cloudy skies. The city may see rain or thundershowers during the next couple of days.
The forecast puts Chandigarh’s maximum temperature at around 34°C on August 17, with the minimum likely to remain near 25°C. On August 18, the daytime temperature could fall to around 32°C, while the minimum may settle near 24°C.
Mohali is also expected to experience similar conditions, with daytime temperatures hovering between 32°C and 34°C.
Rain intensity likely to decline after August 18
The current system is expected to remain most active over Punjab through August 18. Thereafter, rainfall activity is likely to weaken, although isolated showers may continue in some areas until August 22.
Residents in areas prone to waterlogging have been advised to remain cautious during heavy spells, while commuters should be prepared for reduced visibility and sudden thunderstorms.
