Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Fresh monsoon showers brought relief to parts of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Tuesday, with rainfall reported in Chandigarh and Mohali, while dense cloud cover prevailed over districts such as Jalandhar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the state, placing nine districts under a weather alert.
The recent spell of rain has led to a 1.1-degree Celsius drop in the state’s average maximum temperature, easing humid conditions that had persisted over the past few days. Officials have also confirmed that the water levels in Punjab’s key reservoirs remain well below critical levels despite a steady increase in inflow.
Heavy Rain Warning Issued
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Bathinda during the day. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid areas prone to waterlogging.
Meanwhile, Faridkot recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 42.2°C, despite rainfall activity in several regions.
Wet Weather Likely to Continue
According to meteorologists, the current weather pattern has been triggered by an active monsoon system, supported by a cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and a trough extending across northern India.
Rainfall is expected to continue across Punjab between August 4 and August 9, with light to moderate showers forecast for most districts and isolated heavy rainfall likely at a few places during the initial phase of the week.
Pathankot Receives Highest Rainfall
Weather data showed Pathankot receiving the heaviest rainfall during the latest spell, recording 35 mm. Significant showers were also reported from Amritsar (32.2 mm), another station in Pathankot (31 mm), Bhakra Dam area in Rupnagar (24.5 mm), Hoshiarpur (24 mm), Kapurthala (23.5 mm), Anandpur Sahib (20.5 mm), and Ludhiana (16 mm).
Electricity Demand Falls with Cooler Conditions
The improvement in weather has also reduced electricity consumption across the state. Punjab’s current power demand stands at 12,702 MW.
State power plants are generating 4,278 MW, while the remaining electricity is being sourced through the central grid and other allocations. Officials said the power supply remains stable, with no shortage reported despite demand exceeding the state’s scheduled allocation.
Bhakra and Pong Dams Remain Safe
Continuous inflow from the catchment areas has raised water levels in both the Bhakra and Pong dams. However, authorities said the reservoirs are still operating safely below their danger marks.
The water level at Bhakra Dam has reached 1,603.87 feet, nearly 76 feet below the danger level of 1,680 feet. Similarly, Pong Dam stands at 1,342.35 feet, about 48 feet below its danger mark of 1,390 feet.
Officials are keeping a close watch on the reservoirs, stating that while the present situation remains under control, sustained heavy rainfall over the coming days could lead to a further rise in water levels.
