Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): After days of scorching temperatures, Punjab and the Chandigarh region are set to witness a spell of unstable weather, with the Meteorological Department forecasting rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms in several districts until June 14. The changing weather pattern is expected to provide some respite from the prevailing heat, although authorities have advised people to remain alert during storm activity.
A fresh weather alert has also been issued for Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, where intermittent rainfall is expected over the next few hours. Light showers have already been reported from parts of Mohali, signalling the arrival of the system.
According to weather officials, hailstorms are likely in several northern and central districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Fatehgarh Sahib. Gusty winds and lightning may accompany the rainfall, increasing the risk of damage to crops, vehicles and weak structures.
Despite the approaching wet spell, temperatures remain unusually high across the state. Bathinda emerged as the hottest location with a maximum temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius, while the overall temperature in Punjab continues to stay well above the seasonal average.
Meanwhile, the recent spell of strong winds has already resulted in tragedy. In Mansa district, a nine-year-old boy lost his life after an iron gate attached to a boundary wall collapsed during Tuesday evening’s storm. The child, identified as Dilshan Insan, had reportedly taken shelter while accompanying his grandfather when the structure suddenly gave way.
The incident has raised concerns over public safety during extreme weather events. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid standing near old walls, trees and temporary structures during storms and to remain indoors whenever possible.
The Meteorological Department has advised citizens to stay updated with official weather bulletins as changing atmospheric conditions may trigger heavy showers, hail and strong winds in several parts of Punjab over the next few days.
