Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab could see another round of rainfall on Friday, October 16, with Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur likely to receive light to moderate showers. Chandigarh may also experience cloudy conditions, with the possibility of rain, following a spell of unsettled weather that brought rainfall and hail to parts of the region.
The recent weather activity has led to a sharp change in temperatures across the state. Data cited from the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh indicates that Punjab’s average maximum temperature fell by 3.8 degrees Celsius after Thursday’s rain and hailstorm. The reading was around five degrees below the seasonal average, offering some relief from warmer daytime conditions.
The impact has not been uniform across the state. While some locations recorded substantial rainfall, others remained dry but experienced relatively cool conditions due to changing winds and cloud cover.
Where Is Rain Expected In Punjab On October 16?
Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur are the three districts where light to moderate rainfall is likely, according to the forecast cited in local reports. Chandigarh is also expected to remain cloudy, with showers possible.
The weather conditions are linked to atmospheric systems affecting Punjab and neighbouring areas. A western disturbance is active over Punjab and Chandigarh at an altitude of approximately 3.1 to 4.5 kilometres, influencing northern Punjab and nearby regions.
A cyclonic circulation over southern Haryana and adjoining areas, around 0.9 kilometres above the surface, is also present. Together, these systems are contributing to the unsettled weather pattern.
Rainfall may remain localised, so conditions could differ considerably between districts. Residents planning to travel should check the latest local forecast before heading out.
How Much Rain Did Punjab Receive On October 15?
Pathankot recorded the highest rainfall among the locations listed in the report on Thursday, October 15. Its Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) weather station registered 31.5 millimetres of rain.
The other reported rainfall totals were:
- Faridkot: 18.5 mm
- Gurdaspur: 15.5 mm
- Ferozepur: 3.5 mm
- Amritsar: 0.6 mm
No rainfall was recorded in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali and Rupnagar during the period covered by the figures. Even so, temperatures in these locations remained comparatively moderate, with maximum readings ranging from 26°C to 29°C.
Why Have Temperatures Dropped Across Punjab?
The rain and hailstorm on Thursday brought down the state’s average maximum temperature by 3.8 degrees Celsius. The resulting reading was approximately five degrees below normal, according to the figures cited in the weather report.
Cooler winds and cloud cover have helped ease daytime conditions in several areas. However, the latest forecast points to a possibility of further rain mainly in selected northern districts rather than across the entire state.
The temperature change could vary by location depending on rainfall, cloud cover and local wind conditions.
Punjab Electricity Demand Falls To 6,717 MW
The cooler weather has coincided with a decline in electricity demand in Punjab. The state’s reported power demand stood at 6,717 megawatts, which was 90 MW below its allocated share.
Electricity generation within Punjab was reported at 4,191 MW. Lower temperatures can reduce the need for air conditioning in some areas, although the available figures alone do not establish how much of the change in demand was caused by the weather.
With rain possible in three districts and cloudy skies expected in Chandigarh, residents should monitor local forecasts for further updates. The main development remains the possibility of isolated showers alongside temperatures that have fallen below normal following the recent rain and hailstorm.
