Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Rainfall activity has weakened across Punjab as the monsoon enters a quieter phase, with showers expected only at isolated locations in three districts on Tuesday. Chandigarh, meanwhile, is likely to remain under cloudy skies, with rising humidity potentially making the weather feel warmer despite temperatures staying close to normal.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain in parts of Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar. The rest of Punjab is likely to remain largely dry.
The shift comes after the state saw little rainfall on Monday. Despite an earlier forecast of showers across 14 districts, Pathankot was the only district to record rain, receiving just 0.5 mm.
Bathinda records state’s highest temperature
The reduced rainfall has been accompanied by a gradual increase in temperatures. Punjab’s average maximum temperature rose by 0.7°C compared with the previous day, although readings remained close to the seasonal average.
Bathinda recorded the highest maximum temperature at 36.4°C, while Pathankot registered the lowest maximum at 31.2°C.
Chandigarh is expected to remain predominantly cloudy. With less rainfall and continued moisture in the atmosphere, residents could experience increased humidity and a warmer feel during the day.
Two Western Disturbances influence weather
The weather conditions are being shaped by multiple atmospheric systems. Two Western Disturbances are currently active in the broader vicinity of Punjab and Chandigarh.
One system is positioned over Kashmir and adjoining areas, while another is present at higher atmospheric levels. At the same time, the monsoon trough continues to run across northern parts of the country.
The combined influence of these systems is supporting the possibility of isolated showers in the three districts identified by the weather department, although there is no indication of widespread rainfall across Punjab at present.
Bhakra and Pong remain below danger levels
Water levels at Punjab’s major reservoirs continue to remain below their respective danger marks.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level was recorded at 1,643 feet. The reservoir was receiving water at a rate of 37,778 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 25,300 cusecs.
The water level at Pong Dam was 1,372.14 feet, with an inflow of 20,689 cusecs and an outflow of 10,011 cusecs.
At both reservoirs, the current inflow is higher than the volume of water being released. Authorities continue to monitor the levels as weather conditions and upstream inflows can influence reservoir storage.
With the monsoon losing strength, Punjab is likely to see more subdued rainfall in the coming days, while cloudy conditions and higher humidity could keep the weather uncomfortable in Chandigarh and parts of the state.
