Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to remain under the influence of an active monsoon system over the next few days, with intermittent showers expected across several areas. The Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, has forecast light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms at some places, through August 12, while the broader outlook indicates rainfall may continue at intervals until August 13.
The recent showers have brought some relief from the humid conditions, with temperatures dropping below normal in several parts of the region.
Chandigarh remains cooler than usual
Chandigarh is expected to experience partly cloudy conditions during the day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.4°C, about 1°C below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 24.1°C, which was 2.6°C below the seasonal average.
The Meteorological Centre recorded 12.8 mm of rain in the city during the last 24 hours. The airport weather station reported significantly higher rainfall at 38.8 mm.
Since June 1, Chandigarh has received 412.6 mm of cumulative rainfall.
Bathinda records Punjab’s highest temperature
Despite the rainfall, some parts of Punjab continued to experience relatively warmer conditions. Bathinda Airport recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 36.2°C.
The average maximum temperature across Punjab remained around 1.9°C below normal. Ludhiana, meanwhile, recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.8°C, nearly 3°C below the normal mark.
Ballowal Saunkhri receives maximum rain
Several locations reported measurable rainfall during the previous 24-hour period. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar recorded 18.4 mm, the highest among the listed locations.
Hoshiarpur received 18 mm, while Fatehgarh Sahib recorded 12 mm and Ludhiana 11.5 mm. The Bhakra Dam area in Rupnagar received 6.5 mm, with Barnala recording 3 mm.
Rain likely to remain intermittent
According to the weather department’s extended forecast, showers are expected to remain scattered and intermittent rather than develop into a widespread heavy-rain spell.
Chandigarh could also receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas on Saturday. No heavy-rain alert has currently been issued for Punjab, although residents in areas receiving thunderstorms have been advised to remain attentive to local weather updates.
With temperatures expected to remain largely between 32°C and 35°C over the next five days, the continuing monsoon activity is likely to keep conditions relatively comfortable across much of Punjab and Chandigarh.
