Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab continues to witness a spell of hot and sticky weather as monsoon activity remains subdued across the state. With rainfall largely absent over the past few days, temperatures have climbed above seasonal averages, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a Yellow Alert for heat and humidity in several districts.
The advisory has been issued for Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib, where daytime conditions are expected to remain particularly uncomfortable. Though isolated showers are possible in parts of northern and eastern Punjab, weather officials say these are unlikely to provide significant relief.
On Thursday, Punjab recorded another rise in maximum temperatures, with readings staying nearly three degrees Celsius above normal. Bathinda remained the hottest location in the state after the mercury touched 41.2°C, while several other districts also experienced unusually warm conditions for mid-July.
Weak monsoon currents affecting rainfall
According to meteorologists, the present slowdown is linked to the shifting of the monsoon’s active weather system towards eastern India. The low-pressure circulation that normally draws moisture into northwestern states is currently positioned over the eastern region, reducing the supply of rain-bearing clouds over Punjab.
Officials explained that while humidity remains high because of moisture already present in the atmosphere, the absence of a strong weather system has prevented widespread rainfall from developing.
Improvement likely next week
The India Meteorological Department expects the weather pattern to change from July 19 onward as fresh monsoon currents strengthen over northwestern India. Rainfall activity is likely to increase substantially between July 20 and July 22, with several districts expected to receive moderate to heavy showers.
The return of rain is expected to bring down daytime temperatures by several degrees and ease humidity levels across the state.
Higher temperatures increase electricity demand
The prolonged hot spell has also pushed up electricity consumption. State power utilities reported a demand of 14,571 MW, requiring substantial support from the national grid to bridge the gap between local generation and consumption. Officials, however, said power supply remained stable despite the increased load.
Reservoir levels remain under control
Data released by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) showed that both Bhakra and Pong dams continue to remain well below their danger levels, even as they receive steady inflows from upstream catchment areas. Water releases are being regulated to maintain safe reservoir levels and ensure downstream supply.
Weather experts have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun and remain updated with official forecasts, as changing monsoon conditions could bring a significant shift in weather over the coming days.
