The weather in Punjab and Chandigarh has changed over the past two days, with intermittent rain creating a chilly atmosphere. The temperature has dropped by 5.4 degrees Celsius, settling 2.2 degrees below normal. Heavy rainfall in Pathankot on Saturday further intensified the cool conditions.

Orange Alert Issued for Storms and Hail

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and hailstorms. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50–60 km/h. Patiala recorded a temperature of 32.1 degrees Celsius.

According to the department, adverse weather conditions are expected in 22 districts. Thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely in districts such as Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Mohali.

Thunderstorms are also expected in other districts including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur.

Pathankot Records Highest Rainfall

Pathankot recorded the highest rainfall, with Thein Dam receiving 9.5 mm and KVK Pathankot 1.5 mm. Abohar in Fazilka recorded 4.0 mm of rain. Bhakra Dam recorded 1.5 mm, while Sri Anandpur Sahib received 1.0 mm.

Amritsar recorded 1.2 mm rainfall, and Ferozepur received 1.0 mm. Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Patiala saw only trace rainfall.

Western Disturbance Behind Weather Shift

A Western Disturbance is currently active at an altitude of 3.1 to 7.6 km over southern Afghanistan and Pakistan, influencing the region’s weather. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation is present near northeastern Pakistan at 1.5 km altitude, with another system over Haryana at 0.9 km.

These systems have formed a trough extending from northeast Pakistan through Punjab and Haryana to Uttar Pradesh, leading to cloudy skies, rain, and thunderstorms. Another western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from April 7, likely increasing weather activity further.

Rain Forecast Till April 9

According to Meteorological Department Director Surendra Pal, light to moderate rain is expected at some places on April 4, 7, and 8, while isolated rainfall may occur on April 5, 6, and 9.

Maximum temperatures are likely to drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius over the next two days, with no significant change afterward. Hailstorms and strong winds reaching up to 50–60 km/h may occur in several areas along with thunderstorms.