The weather in Punjab has taken a turn once again. Rain has been falling in Chandigarh and Mohali since morning, while overcast conditions prevail in several areas, including Jalandhar. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for rain and thunderstorms in nine districts of the state today. Due to the changing weather, a drop of 1.1 degrees Celsius in temperature has been recorded. Meanwhile, a point of relief is that the water levels in the state’s major dams remain below the danger mark.
The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert for Tuesday (August 4) for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Rupnagar, and parts of Mohali. Meanwhile, the highest maximum temperature in the state was recorded in Faridkot at 42.2 degrees Celsius.
According to Surendra Pal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, the monsoon remains active over Punjab and Chandigarh due to the influence of a cyclonic system formed over Rajasthan and a trough passing through North India. Consequently, rain is likely over the next few days.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected in several districts of the state between August 4 and 6, with a warning issued for heavy rain at some locations on August 4. Rain is also likely in parts of the state between August 7 and 9.
35 mm Rainfall Recorded in Pathankot
Between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM on August 3, the highest rainfall—35 mm—was recorded in Pathankot. Amritsar received 32.2 mm of rain, while another area in Pathankot recorded 31 mm. Additionally, 24.5 mm of rainfall was recorded in the Bhakra Dam area of Rupnagar, 24 mm in Hoshiarpur, 23.5 mm in Kapurthala, 20.5 mm in Anandpur Sahib, and 16 mm in Ludhiana.
Drop in Electricity Demand
Due to the rainfall, the power supply situation in Punjab currently remains normal. The current electricity demand in the state stands at 12,702 MW. Power plants are generating 4,278 MW, while the remaining requirement is being met through supplies from other states and the central grid.
Although Punjab was scheduled to receive 8,153 MW of power, it drew 8,424 MW—exceeding the allocated amount by 271 MW. Despite this, the power supply remains smooth, and there is no undue strain on the system.