Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The monsoon over Punjab and Chandigarh has shown signs of weakening, with rainfall likely to remain limited to select areas while temperatures continue to climb. The state recorded a 0.9°C rise in temperature within a day, adding to the heat and humidity being felt across several districts.
The Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, has forecast light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in nine districts on Tuesday. Chandigarh is likely to remain partly cloudy, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible.
Nine Districts May Receive Showers
The districts likely to receive rain include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala and SAS Nagar (Mohali).
However, rainfall remained absent from most parts of the state on Monday, resulting in warmer conditions and increased humidity. Ferozepur recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37°C.
Weather System Could Bring More Rain
Meteorological Centre director Surender Paul said the monsoon trough is currently passing through Amritsar, creating conditions favourable for rainfall.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation positioned over North Haryana and adjoining regions is also expected to influence the weather over Punjab. Under the combined impact of these systems, scattered rain and thundershowers could occur in different parts of the state.
Rainfall Deficit Stands at 29%
Punjab continues to record a significant shortfall in seasonal rainfall. The state has received around 239.6 mm of rainfall, leaving it with a 29% deficit compared with the normal amount for the period.
The rainfall distribution is expected to remain uneven in the coming days. While parts of the state could receive showers, several districts may continue to experience warm conditions.
Temperatures to Stay Above Normal
The weather outlook till August 27 suggests light rain in southwestern Punjab and light to moderate showers in other areas.
Maximum temperatures could remain between 32°C and 34°C in Rupnagar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala. Northern and northeastern districts may record 34°C to 36°C, while the mercury could reach 36°C to 40°C in southern and southwestern Punjab.
Minimum temperatures are also likely to remain above normal, ranging from 22°C to 24°C in northern and northeastern areas, 24°C to 26°C in central Punjab and 26°C to 28°C in southern parts.
Electricity Consumption Rises
The rise in temperatures has also been reflected in Punjab’s power consumption. The state’s electricity demand touched 13,729 MW during the night.
Punjab met around 5,002 MW of this requirement through its own generation, while approximately 8,727 MW was supplied from external sources, including the central power pool.
With only scattered rainfall expected, Punjab is likely to experience a mix of cloudy skies, isolated showers and continued warmth over the next few days.
