After days of sweltering heat and frequent unscheduled power cuts, residents across Punjab finally woke up to a welcome change in weather on Tuesday morning. Strong winds followed by widespread rainfall brought much-needed relief from the sticky humidity, while temperatures dipped across several districts.
Rainfall alret
The change in weather comes as the monsoon gains momentum over the state. According to the latest forecast, rainfall activity is expected to continue across most parts of Punjab over the next four days. The weather department has also issued a heavy rainfall alert for July 11 and 12, advising people to stay updated on local weather conditions.
Showers at various districts
Several districts witnessed widespread showers on Tuesday. Rainfall was reported at most places in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Fatehgarh Sahib, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr). Meanwhile, many areas in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, and Patiala also received rain during the day.
Light to moderate showers are also likely in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, and Sangrur, with isolated rainfall expected in several locations.
Weather predictions
The weather department has predicted that light to moderate rain may continue on July 10, while July 11 and 12 are expected to witness heavier rainfall as the southwest monsoon becomes fully active over the region. The increased rainfall is likely to provide significant relief from the humid conditions that have affected daily life over the past week.
Benefits of rain
The recent spell of rain is expected to benefit both residents and the agricultural sector. Farmers, who have been waiting for consistent monsoon showers for paddy cultivation, are likely to gain from the improved weather conditions. At the same time, lower temperatures are expected to ease the discomfort caused by persistent humidity.
Temperature actvities
Meteorologists have also indicated that temperatures across Punjab could fall by up to 5 degrees Celsius in the coming days if the rainfall continues as forecast. At present, the state's average temperature is already around 2.1 degrees Celsius below normal, and further cooling is expected with sustained monsoon activity.
Advise to residents
Residents are advised to remain cautious during periods of heavy rain, particularly in low-lying areas that may experience waterlogging, while commuters should plan their travel accordingly as showers continue across the state.
