Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is likely to see another spell of rain over the next few days, with the weather department forecasting showers in several parts of the state until September 5. Chandigarh is also expected to remain under partly cloudy skies, with isolated rain or thundershowers possible.
A yellow alert has been issued for Punjab and Chandigarh during this period. On Tuesday, weather activity is expected across 13 districts, although rainfall intensity may differ from one area to another.
Five Districts May Receive More Rain
Light to moderate showers are likely in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and Mohali. Isolated rain is also possible in parts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala.
The forecast comes after a largely dry spell in the state. Rainfall has been limited in recent days, contributing to increased humidity and uncomfortable weather.
On Monday, most of Punjab remained dry despite predictions of rain. Pathankot was the only district to receive measurable rainfall, recording 1 mm.
Temperature Still Above Normal
The weather over neighbouring Himachal Pradesh has provided some temporary relief to Punjab, with the state’s average temperature falling by 0.4°C. However, temperatures continue to remain higher than normal by around 1.9°C.
Faridkot registered the highest maximum temperature at 38.3°C in the state.
Weather conditions are being influenced by a Western Disturbance positioned over upper-air areas of northern Pakistan and Jammu. The monsoon trough is also passing through Amritsar and Patiala, creating conditions favourable for cloud formation and rainfall.
Chandigarh Records Clean Air
Chandigarh has continued to enjoy good air quality despite the warm conditions. The city recorded an AQI below 50 on 27 days in August, indicating that pollution levels remained low for most of the month.
The forecast of rain and thunderstorms could bring a temporary change in temperatures, although humidity is expected to remain noticeable.
Power Demand Remains High
Punjab’s electricity consumption has also stayed elevated amid the prevailing heat. The state recorded a power demand of 14,569 MW on Tuesday morning.
Of this, Punjab’s own power plants were generating around 4,497 MW, while another 10,076 MW was being arranged from outside sources to meet the overall requirement.
With rain expected across parts of Punjab and Chandigarh in the coming days, residents may get some respite from the heat, while authorities are keeping an eye on weather-related changes and power demand.
