Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is entering a warmer and drier phase as the southwest monsoon begins its retreat from the region. After remaining stationary for nearly five days, the monsoon system has started to pull back from parts of the state, bringing an end to weeks of heavy rainfall and signaling the onset of rising temperatures.
According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has experienced significantly above-average rainfall this season. Since the onset of monsoon on June 1, Punjab has recorded 621.4 mm of rain—nearly 48% more than the typical seasonal average of 420.9 mm. While this has helped replenish groundwater and fill reservoirs, it also contributed to flooding in several districts earlier this season.
Despite the monsoon’s retreat, water reserves remain strong. Data recorded at 6 a.m. today shows that the Pong Dam in Himachal Pradesh is currently at a water level of 1,391.84 feet, with 17,786 cusecs of inflow and 55,134 cusecs of outflow. The Bhakra Dam, another major reservoir supplying Punjab, is holding steady at 1,677.07 feet, with 36,637 cusecs of incoming water and 45,000 cusecs being discharged.
With the rainfall coming to a halt, Punjab is now under a prolonged dry spell. Weather forecasts suggest that the state is unlikely to receive any significant rainfall over the next seven days. This shift in weather has already led to a gradual increase in day and night temperatures.
While daytime highs remain close to the seasonal norms, night temperatures are beginning to trend warmer than usual. Ludhiana, in particular, is feeling the heat. The highest temperature in the state was recorded in Samrala (Ludhiana) at 36.8°C. Other regions also saw high temperatures, with Bathinda reaching 36.6°C, Patiala at 35.4°C, Ludhiana city at 35°C, Amritsar at 34.8°C, and Pathankot at 34.7°C.
Meteorologists explain that the absence of cloud cover allows for more solar radiation during the day, which in turn causes the heat to linger into the night. With no significant weather systems on the horizon, these conditions are expected to persist into early October.
Residents are being urged to remain cautious during this transition period, as heat-related discomfort may increase, particularly for vulnerable groups. The state agriculture department has also advised farmers to monitor soil moisture levels closely as the monsoon withdraws and prepare for the upcoming Rabi sowing season accordingly.
