Rain alert issued for 13 districts of Punjab today, hailstorms and strong winds expected

February 18, 2026

Chandigarh : The weather in Punjab has taken a turn. The Chandigarh centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain in 13 districts of the state on February 18. According to the department, strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms are likely in many areas.

Chandigarh has also been partly cloudy since morning. Light drizzle was recorded for about five minutes in Sector 48, bringing a cool feel to the weather.

Thunderstorms and thunderstorms likely in these districts

According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur, Patiala, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa districts.

Strong winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected in these areas. A special rain alert has been issued for Budhlada in Mansa, Lehra, Sunam, and Moonak in Sangrur, and Pattran in Patiala until 2:30 pm.

Temperatures above normal, signs of further change

Currently, the maximum temperature in the state is 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal. Mansa recorded the highest temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius.

According to Meteorological Department Director Surendra Pal, the minimum temperature is expected to increase by 2 to 3 degrees in the next 48 hours. After this, the temperature is expected to decrease by 2 to 3 degrees in the next two days. Clear weather is expected from February 19th to 23rd.

Changed weather system created by a western disturbance

Currently, a western disturbance is active over central Pakistan and the surrounding Punjab region at an altitude of about 3.1 kilometers above sea level. Due to its influence, cyclonic activity has persisted in the upper air masses up to a height of 1.5 kilometers.

In addition, another western disturbance is active over southeastern Pakistan and surrounding areas, extending to an altitude of about 7.6 kilometers and tilting northwestward. This system is believed to be the main reason for the changing weather in Punjab.

People advised to remain vigilant

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers and the general public to remain vigilant. In view of strong winds and possible hailstorms, measures have been urged to protect crops and exposed goods.