Chandigarh (Guipreet Singh): A fresh spell of monsoon showers swept across parts of Punjab on Sunday morning, offering relief from the persistent heat and humidity that had gripped the region over the past few days. Mohali recorded rainfall during the early hours, while cloudy skies and pleasant winds were experienced in several neighbouring districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning, forecasting moderate rainfall in multiple parts of the state during the morning. The alert covers areas including Mohali, Chandigarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Kharar, Rupnagar, Bassi Pathana, Samrala, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Mukerian, Pathankot, Dasuya, Nawanshahr, Garhshankar and Anandpur Sahib.
Apart from these districts, isolated light showers are also expected across Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Malerkotla, Ludhiana, Khanna, Moga, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Nakodar, Phillaur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Shahkot, Jagraon, Raikot, Baba Bakala and adjoining regions.
Weather experts said the renewed rainfall is a result of strengthening monsoon currents over north India, which are expected to remain active over Punjab in the coming days.
Although Chandigarh remained largely dry during the initial hours, meteorologists indicated that changing weather conditions could trigger rainfall later in the day. The cool breeze accompanying the cloud cover has already led to a noticeable improvement in outdoor conditions.
The IMD has projected a gradual fall in temperatures beginning July 20, as rain-bearing systems continue to influence the region. Maximum temperatures in Chandigarh and surrounding areas are expected to decline from around 35°C on July 19 to nearly 30°C by July 21 if the forecast rainfall materialises.
The department has also predicted cloudy skies, intermittent thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall between July 20 and July 23, suggesting that monsoon conditions are likely to remain favourable across much of Punjab.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious while travelling during periods of intense rainfall, as brief spells of heavy showers may reduce visibility and cause waterlogging in vulnerable urban pockets. Authorities have also urged people to stay updated with official weather advisories as monsoon activity is expected to intensify over the next few days.
