The skies over Punjab are not going to clear up anytime soon. After days of unrelenting monsoon showers, the state is in for another wet spell this weekend. Chandigarh's Meteorological Department has raised a flag of heavy to very heavy rain in the coming days, particularly from Saturday evening (July 20) through Monday (July 22).
After weeks of persistent monsoon showers, Punjab is gearing up for another strech of rain. New alerts for the next two days have been issued by the Chandigarh Meteorological Department. Residents in a dozen districts should be prepared for heavy downpours that, welcome though they are to ending the relentless heat, raise fresh fears of flooding and sporadic road and power cuts.
Today's IMD forecast shows that Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, and Rupnagar will observe at least 12 cm of rain. Report further claims lighter quantities will be seen in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala. The rest will see light rain, just sufficient to provide relief from the heat but not enough to waterlog the ground.
The advisory is not for a light drizzle—some locations are sure to receive over 12 cm of rain, which would lead to waterlogging, traffic jams, and potential flood-like situations in exposed locations. Notably these areas include, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Ambala, Hisar and Karnal.
IMD weather reports reveal that, lightning and winds of 30-40km/hr were observed at Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Moga, Jalanadhar Kapurthala, Tarn-Taran, SBS Nagar, Hoshiyarpur, Amritsar and Gurdaspur.
Northern and eastern constituencies in the hot seat
The heaviest of rains is expected to strike northern and eastern Punjab. These areas received the maximum rainfall in recent days .
Chandigarh
Pathankot
Hoshiarpur
Nawanshahr
Fatehgarh Sahib
SAS Nagar (Mohali)
Rupnagar
The rest of the state would see light rain, just enough to bring in cool weather without any obstruction.
Ground report: Rain already making its presence felt
In the past two days, various parts of Punjab have already seen scattered rain. Here's a quick rundown of what has come in so far:
Amritsar had the maximum at 13.2 mm
Chandigarh had 1.1 mm
Ludhiana got 0.6 mm
SBS Nagar (Nawanshahr) got 1.2 mm
Ferozepur got 2.5 mm
Lighter drizzles were observed in Moga, Ropar, and Patiala
Day temperatures have been between 32°C and 34°C, slightly below par for July but hot enough to make the humidity cloying.
Flashback in Pathankot: Chakki river causes fresh trouble
Rain has caused havoc again in Pathankot.There are local officials in attendance, trying to steer traffic and redirect critical movement. Temperatures drop, but humidity levels persist
The rains finally have brought temperatures down by a degree. The Patiala and Bhatinda are highest at 35.4°C, and in Ludhiana was 35°C. Amritsar stood at 34.2°C. Pathankot and Ferozpur were a degree lower at 32.7°C and 33°C respectively.
Weather report shows that with moderate wind and dense cloud cover, the air is laden and hence humidity levels are uncomfortably high.
Weather at a glance: What to expect city by city
These areas expect overcast weather and occasional rain. Day temperatures between 25°C and 32°C.
Amritsar
Jalandhar
Ludhiana
Light showers are anticipated, with day temperatures between 24-30°C in these areas
Patiala
Mohali
Weather ahead, rainy week with intervals of sunshine
Weather reports predicts that northern and central Punjab will continue to receive scattered spells over the next week. The southwest districts of Punjab including Fazilka, which usually remains dry, can expect more that the usual showers this monsoon.
The intensity in general is likely to dwindle by July 23, but light and moderate showers will linger over most areas until month-end.
While the rain is certainly a welcome relief from the sultry summer heat—and a blessing for Punjab's fields, it brings with it its own set of issues. From potholed roads to fear of flooding, the next few days demand caution.
Keep ready umbrellas, plan travel, and pray that the heavens are kind as the monsoon brings out its wild self over Punjab.
