Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): After days of active monsoon conditions, Punjab is witnessing a brief lull in rainfall, though isolated showers are expected to continue in parts of the state. Weather officials have indicated that widespread rain is unlikely over the coming days, with humid conditions set to dominate until the monsoon regains strength later this month.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rainfall is likely in several districts on Monday, particularly in northern and central Punjab. Areas including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali may witness brief spells of rain or thunderstorms.
Mohali received overnight showers, while parts of Jalandhar woke up to intermittent rain on Monday morning. Most other districts, however, remained largely dry during the past 24 hours.
Officials said the current weather pattern suggests reduced monsoon activity between July 13 and July 18, which could result in higher temperatures and increased humidity across the plains. Residents have been advised to remain hydrated as sultry weather is expected despite occasional cloud cover.
In Chandigarh, the forecast points to partly cloudy skies with a chance of isolated showers during the day. No weather alert has been issued for the city, indicating that rainfall is expected to remain scattered and light.
Meanwhile, a search operation continued in Patiala after two teenagers were swept away in the Bhakra Canal on Sunday evening. The incident occurred when five friends entered the canal for a swim near the Patiala-Nabha road. Three managed to come out safely, while the remaining two disappeared in the strong current.
Rescue personnel, assisted by members of the Bhole Shankar Divers Club, have been conducting intensive searches to locate the missing boys. Divers said the powerful flow of water has complicated rescue efforts.
Authorities have once again appealed to the public, especially youngsters, to stay away from canals, rivers and other water bodies during the monsoon season, warning that changing water levels and strong currents can prove fatal even when rainfall appears to have subsided.
