Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the monsoon remains active across Punjab and Chandigarh, with an orange alert issued for heavy rainfall on July 28 and 29. The weather department has also warned of possible waterlogging in low-lying and urban areas.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, Punjab’s average maximum temperature declined marginally by 0.4 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, while the average minimum temperature increased by 0.3 degrees Celsius. Temperatures continue to remain close to normal.
Several parts of Punjab received light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at isolated places. The highest rainfall of 15.5 mm was recorded in Abohar (Fazilka), followed by 15.4 mm in Gurdaspur, 14 mm in Muktsar, 13 mm in Hoshiarpur, 12.5 mm in the Bhakra Dam area of Rupnagar, 12 mm in Balowal Saunkhri (SBS Nagar) and 11.6 mm in Amritsar. Ferozepur recorded 9 mm, while Ludhiana received 7.4 mm of rainfall.
Bathinda Hottest, Gurdaspur Records Lowest Minimum Temperature
Bathinda remained the hottest city in Punjab with a maximum temperature of 35°C. Chandigarh and Abohar recorded 34.8°C, while Faridkot registered 34°C. Ludhiana and Patiala recorded 33.8°C, and Amritsar reported 31.1°C.
Gurdaspur recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 24.7°C, followed by 25.2°C in Chandigarh and 25.6°C in Bathinda.
Chandigarh Rainfall Still Below Normal
From June 1 till date, Chandigarh has received 249.1 mm of rainfall, which is 31.8 per cent below normal.
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and light showers on July 26, with the maximum temperature likely to be 35°C and the minimum 25°C.
On July 27, the city is expected to witness cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorms, with temperatures around 36°C and 25°C.
Heavy rainfall has been forecast for July 28, with temperatures likely to hover around 37°C and 26°C.
On July 29, widespread rain accompanied by heavy showers is expected, with temperatures around 35°C and 25°C.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is also likely on July 30, when the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 33°C and the minimum at 24°C.
IMD Warns of Waterlogging in Low-Lying Areas
The weather department has warned that heavy rainfall on July 28 and 29 may lead to waterlogging in low-lying and urban areas of Punjab and Chandigarh. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions and avoid unnecessary movement in open areas during thunderstorms and heavy rain.