Punjab, Chandigarh Under Yellow Alert for Rain, Thunderstorms

February 17, 2026

Jalandhar: The weather in Punjab and Chandigarh will change today (Tuesday). The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms, and storms for two days. Winds will blow at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. However, the cold has now completely subsided during the day.

The maximum temperature has increased by 0.6 degrees in the last 24 hours. It is now 4.8 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was recorded at 31 degrees in Ferozepur, the highest this season so far. Bathinda recorded the lowest temperature of 6.6 degrees in the plains, indicating a cold front.

Thunderstorms likely in six districts

According to the Meteorological Department, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds with speeds of 30–40 kilometers per hour are likely at isolated locations in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Mansa, and Bathinda districts today. Light rain is also expected at some locations in these districts. The department has advised people to avoid open spaces and stay in sheltered areas during the inclement weather. Chandigarh is expected to remain cloudy.

Amritsar and Bathinda Fog

Although the Meteorological Department had not issued any weather alert yesterday, fog suddenly descended on Amritsar and Bathinda in the morning. Visibility was recorded at 50 meters in both Amritsar and Bathinda. During this time, nothing was clearly visible on the Sangrur-Bathinda highway.

Fog was also recorded in Patiala, causing inconvenience to people. Regarding temperatures, maximum temperatures ranged from 24 degrees to 31 degrees across Punjab, with Pathankot recording the lowest. Similarly, minimum temperatures ranged from 6.6 degrees to 9 degrees. Temperatures have dropped significantly in the past 24 hours.

Weather Conditions

The Western Disturbance, which previously existed near Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, has now shifted to northwest Afghanistan. It extends approximately 3 to 8 kilometers above ground and tilts slightly northwestward as it moves upward. This will change the weather in Punjab. Clouds will appear in some areas, storms will occur, and daytime temperatures will decrease slightly.

Temperatures to Rise by 2 to 3 Degrees

Meteorological Department Director Surendra Pal Singh stated that light rain is expected in some areas of the state on the 17th and 18th. The minimum temperature is expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days, before falling again.