Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A spell of unsettled weather is set to continue across Punjab and Chandigarh, offering much-needed relief from the intense summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorms, rain and strong winds from June 4 to June 6, warning residents of changing weather conditions across several districts.
Meteorologists have predicted wind speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, accompanied by lightning and intermittent showers. While temperatures have risen slightly over the past 24 hours, they remain below the normal mark for this time of year, preventing the return of heatwave conditions.
Official data shows that maximum temperatures across Punjab are currently ranging between 35°C and 42°C. Faridkot emerged as the hottest location in the state, recording 42.6°C. Despite this, the state’s average temperature remains around 2.7 degrees Celsius lower than the seasonal norm.
Weather officials said rainfall activity on Wednesday is likely to cover a large part of Punjab. However, from Thursday onwards, weather systems are expected to shift eastward, reducing rain chances in western districts while increasing the possibility of showers in eastern Punjab and the Chandigarh region. Some locations may also witness brief spells of heavy rainfall.
Mixed Rainfall Pattern Across the State
Recent showers have brought uneven rainfall distribution across Punjab. According to the latest weather records, the state has received around 23 percent less rainfall than normal during the first few days of June.
Light to moderate rain was reported from parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Faridkot. On the other hand, districts such as Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur remained largely dry.
Despite the overall rainfall deficit, some border districts have recorded significantly above-average precipitation. Amritsar has received more than four times its normal rainfall for the month so far, while Tarn Taran and Ferozepur have also registered substantial surpluses. Meanwhile, districts including Jalandhar, Mohali, Sangrur and Pathankot are still awaiting their first significant rainfall of June.
Multiple Weather Systems Behind the Change
Experts attribute the current weather activity to a combination of atmospheric factors. The southwest monsoon continues its gradual advance over southern parts of the country, while western disturbances active over northwestern regions are influencing weather patterns across Punjab and neighbouring states.
A weather system over western Uttar Pradesh, along with another developing disturbance near northern Pakistan, is expected to keep conditions favourable for thunderstorms and rain over North India during the coming days.
The cooler temperatures and periodic rainfall are likely to provide temporary respite from the harsh summer conditions. However, authorities have advised residents to remain alert during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Forecasters expect weather conditions to improve after June 6, with dry and warmer conditions gradually returning across much of Punjab.
