Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is expected to witness another spell of widespread rainfall as the southwest monsoon remains active over the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms over the next four days and issued a Yellow Alert for several districts, advising residents to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, rainfall activity is likely to strengthen from Monday, with districts in the northern and eastern parts of the state expected to receive moderate to heavy showers. Strong winds, lightning and isolated thunderstorms are also likely to accompany the rain in many places.
Weather officials have placed Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar under a Yellow Alert, while light to moderate rainfall is expected across several other districts, including Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali.
The past 24 hours saw scattered showers across different parts of Punjab, with Patiala receiving the highest rainfall. Jalandhar and Ludhiana also recorded notable precipitation, bringing temporary relief from humid weather. However, Bathinda remained the hottest location in the state despite the changing weather pattern.
The fluctuating temperatures have also impacted electricity consumption. Officials reported that power demand rose significantly as residents continued using cooling appliances during periods of high humidity. The state’s electricity requirement was met through a combination of thermal power generation, hydel projects and supply from the central grid.
Authorities are also monitoring water levels at major reservoirs, including the Bhakra and Pong dams, where inflows have increased following rainfall in the catchment areas. Water is being released in a regulated manner to maintain reservoir safety.
Meteorologists said the current weather pattern has been influenced by an active western disturbance interacting with the southwest monsoon system. This combination is expected to keep rainfall activity alive across Punjab and adjoining states until at least July 9.
Residents have been advised to avoid sheltering under trees or electric poles during thunderstorms, drive carefully on waterlogged roads, and stay updated with official weather advisories as rainfall intensity may vary from one district to another.
