Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Persistent rainfall across Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Tuesday brought down temperatures and provided relief from humid weather, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh warnings for heavy rain in several districts.
Pathankot remained under continuous rainfall since Monday night, whereas Chandigarh woke up to intense showers early Tuesday morning. The wet spell also extended to several districts adjoining Himachal Pradesh, contributing to a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, the state’s maximum temperature fell by nearly 0.6 degrees Celsius, leaving it around 2.6 degrees below the seasonal average. The cooling effect was felt across Punjab, with maximum temperatures staying below 35.6°C in all districts. Despite the drop, Bathinda remained the warmest location in the state.
The weather department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall across parts of Punjab, warning that several districts may witness intense showers, thunderstorms and lightning during the day.
Forecasts indicate rainfall in nearly 20 districts, while 11 districts have been placed under a heavy rain warning. Among the areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall are Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Rupnagar and Mohali. Heavy showers have also been predicted for Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala.
Meteorologists have advised residents to remain alert, especially in areas vulnerable to waterlogging or poor drainage. Commuters have been urged to drive carefully due to slippery roads and reduced visibility during periods of intense rainfall.
The ongoing showers have eased heat conditions across the state and are expected to benefit standing paddy crops. However, officials cautioned that localized heavy rainfall could disrupt traffic and affect normal life in low-lying areas.
The IMD expects the active monsoon conditions to continue over the coming days, with intermittent rain likely across large parts of Punjab before the weather gradually stabilises later this week.
