Fresh IMD alert for Chandigarh Tricity as thunderstorms return; strong winds, rain likely till Friday

PTC Web Desk: After a brief spell of relief in the morning, weather conditions turned tense again across Chandigarh tricity on Tuesday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh yellow alert around 11:30 am. The department warned that parts of Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and nearby areas could witness thunderstorms, rain and strong gusty winds over the next few hours.

According to the latest weather radar observations, active rain-bearing clouds were rapidly moving towards the tricity region. Authorities advised residents to remain indoors during the thunderstorm activity and avoid standing under trees or near weak structures due to the possibility of strong winds and lightning.

The day had started with early morning showers after overnight cloud activity intensified under the influence of a Western Disturbance affecting North India. Rain accompanied by thunder and gusty winds swept across Chandigarh, Mohali and adjoining areas around 5 am. However, the weather system moved quickly and conditions became calm shortly after sunrise.

Official rainfall data released till 8.30 am showed Chandigarh received 4.2 mm rain, while Mohali recorded 2.5 mm precipitation. Among cities in Punjab and Haryana, Pathankot reported the highest rainfall at 4.5 mm during the same period. Light rainfall was also recorded in Nawanshahr, Karnal, Bhiwani, Yamunanagar, Hisar and Anandpur Sahib.

Despite the rain activity, temperatures during the night remained slightly warmer compared to previous days. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 22.8 degrees Celsius, which was still below the seasonal average. Mohali also witnessed a marginal rise in night temperature. Weather experts said temperatures are expected to increase steadily once the current wet spell weakens later this week.

Meteorologists stated that the ongoing weather changes are linked to a Western Disturbance positioned over North Pakistan as an upper-air cyclonic circulation. The system is likely to keep weather conditions unstable across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till Friday.

The IMD has maintained an orange alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning that isolated areas may witness wind speeds between 50 and 60 kmph, with gusts possibly touching 70 kmph. From Thursday onwards, the alert level is expected to reduce to yellow, while dry and hot conditions are likely to return over the weekend.

Weather officials have indicated that daytime temperatures may cross the 40-degree Celsius mark by Saturday as clear skies and heatwave-like conditions make a comeback across the region.