Punjab and its surrounding areas are experiencing a marked drop in temperatures today, 16th March, offering relief from the recent heatwave that suggested the onset of full-fledged summer. Yesterday, the weather took an unexpected turn, with cities like Amritsar and Jalandhar recording nearly continuous rainfall throughout the day.
Along with this, the levels of temperature also decrease. This decrease in temperature levels comes along with the drizzle that continues to fall. Most of the areas in Punjab have temperatures below 18°C, while in Dharamshala, the temperature levels have dropped even further, to below 15°C. Winter wear is back in use, and people are digging through their closets without any surprise. The skies are overcast, and rain continues to fall here and there. Experts are predicting that the rain will not move anywhere before the weekend.
The past month has seen Punjab start off with lowered temperature levels following heavy rains, hail storms, and thunder. At dawn on March 12, places such as Amritsar experienced sudden rains accompanied by ice pellets, resulting in lowered temperature levels - one point two degrees Celsius lower, to be exact. Meanwhile, rising temperature levels near Bhakra Dam increased to thirty four point five degrees Celsius.
Weather forecast and regional outlook
Overcast sky up above in the area of Jalandhar, with some drizzle expected at any time now. Daytime highs will rise to near 26, with the possibility of reaching 27 by afternoon. Nights will be no colder than 12, with temps usually settling in around 15. Having rain gear handy can be beneficial in the event of sudden wet spots that appear on the ground. The probability of rain is 50 percent, with drops falling somewhere in the vicinity.
Dampness may be building up in Fatehgarh Sahib, which will persist into the latter hours. This is due to clouds that will be low in the sky, which will be heavy by afternoon, or until a change in wind direction occurs.
Late-day showers are possible in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, followed by similar chances of showers in Patiala. Weather changes expected as clouds develop after noon. Moisture-laden air is expected to arrive, which might bring showers as the evening hours arrive. Darkening skies expected later today in both cities.
Fresh snowfall is expected in lofty areas such as Lahaul-Spiti, Rohtang Pass, and Shinkula Pass. Thunderstorms are expected to develop over Shimla and Kullu districts this afternoon. Sharp gusty winds were expected to hit Mandi, while scattered showers were expected to occur at times in Chamba. Due to these weather changes, there will be a touch of chill felt in certain areas of Punjab.
Extended forecast (March 16-21)
Cloudy skies expected to prevail on the 17th and part of the 18th, but no rain expected. Expect gray skies on these two days, but the ground will not be wet.
March 19 - Skies expected to be heavy, with rain expected seven times out of ten.
March 20 - Skies expected to open up, with rain expected three times out of four.
Sunrise may bring clouds instead of clear blue sky for the twenty-first. A third of ten weather predictions may bring drops onto pavements by afternoon.
Further in the week, clouds are expected to linger, and a few showers may roll in by Thursday or even Friday. Instead of spring weather, it may feel cooler due to the damp weather that is expected to roll in. Experts indicate that this may halt the rise in temperature that is expected in spring.
Advisory for people living in the region and farmers
People should probably bring a jacket with them, because the weather changes quickly in this region. It rains unexpectedly, and it is a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket with you when going outside. The clouds linger longer than expected, and it gets dark early because of them. It is probably a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket with you, even if it is not raining in the morning. It could start raining at any moment.
Farmers should pay attention to how wet the soil is in their region. When wheat begins to develop wheat grains, it should be given enough water somehow. Mustard, cabbage, and potatoes are just a few of the crops that should be taken care of in order for them to grow, even though the weather is unpredictable and cannot make up its mind.
Altogether this week's forecast predicts something different from the scorching heat people experienced just a few days ago.