Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is heading toward a prolonged dry spell as the southwest monsoon begins withdrawing from the state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating that the retreat could be completed across Punjab and Chandigarh within the next two to three days.
The withdrawal line has reached parts of the state, currently extending through Patiala and Gurdaspur. Weather conditions are considered favourable for the monsoon to pull out completely, while September 22 is expected to remain dry across Punjab.
The shift comes after a season marked by a significant rainfall deficit. The monsoon reached Punjab on July 1 and has remained active for roughly 82 days. From June 1 to September 22, the state recorded 267.8 mm of rainfall, against the normal figure of 419.2 mm — a deficit of about 36%.
According to the weather department, this is Punjab’s lowest rainfall total in 12 years, highlighting the unusually dry nature of the season.
Temperatures rise as dry winds prevail
With rainfall activity declining, temperatures have started climbing. Punjab’s average maximum temperature increased by around 0.4 degrees Celsius and is now close to the seasonal norm.
Patiala recorded the state’s highest temperature at 35.7°C. North-westerly winds are also contributing to lower humidity levels across the region.
While a deep depression developing near the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rain to parts of central India, it is not currently expected to produce rainfall in Punjab. The IMD has also issued no weather warning for the state for the period from September 22 to 28.
Power demand crosses 12,000 MW
The combination of dry conditions and relatively high temperatures has also pushed up electricity consumption in Punjab.
Power demand reached 12,334 MW, while the state generated 5,229 MW. The remaining 7,106 MW was supplied through the grid.
The scheduled drawal was 6,672 MW, meaning actual consumption exceeded the scheduled figure by 434 MW. Grid frequency stood at 49.99 Hz.
Dam levels remain below danger marks
Water levels at major dams are also being closely monitored.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level was recorded at 1,643.44 feet. Inflows stood at 13,891 cusecs, while 27,617 cusecs were being released. With the danger mark at 1,680 feet, the reservoir level remained 36.56 feet below that threshold.
At Pong Dam, the water level stood at 1,370.96 feet. The dam was receiving 10,794 cusecs of water and releasing 17,365 cusecs. Its danger level is 1,390 feet, leaving the current level 19.04 feet below the mark.
With the monsoon now entering its withdrawal phase, Punjab is expected to experience predominantly dry weather in the coming days, while the state continues to monitor temperatures, power consumption and water resources.
