Sweater back as chill grips Punjab and Chandigarh; rain, hailstorm warning issued
PTC Web Desk: Punjab and Chandigarh have witnessed a sudden shift in weather conditions following rainfall in the plains and snowfall in nearby hill regions, bringing back a winter-like chill in mid-March. The drop in temperature has forced residents to pull out warm clothing once again.
According to the Meteorological Department, the region recorded a fall of around 2.7°C in the last 24 hours, pushing temperatures nearly 6.1°C below normal levels. In response to the changing conditions, an orange alert has been issued for March 20, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds ranging between 40 to 50 kmph, and possible hailstorms.
Among key cities, Pathankot recorded the highest temperature at 23°C, while Chandigarh saw a maximum of 20.8°C. The dip in temperature is being described as unusual for this time of the year. Chandigarh has experienced such cold conditions in March after nearly two years, with temperatures dropping around 7°C below average.
Ludhiana, meanwhile, has seen a rare weather pattern, with temperatures breaking a 50-year record. Data suggests that after 1976, when the temperature stood at 20.7°C, it has now dipped to 20.4°C on March 19, marking a significant deviation.
The weather department has issued warnings for several districts, including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Ferozepur, Bathinda and others, where strong winds and hailstorms are likely. Rain alerts have also been issued across multiple regions, raising concerns among farmers.
In Jalandhar, overcast skies have persisted since night, with reports of rainfall in rural areas damaging standing wheat crops. Farmers are worried as fields in several areas have seen crops flattened due to strong winds and rain.
Amritsar also received rainfall overnight, keeping temperatures low. The morning temperature hovered around 15°C, and high humidity made conditions feel colder. Although sunshine appeared later in the morning, the impact on crops has already been reported.
Pathankot experienced intermittent rainfall till late night, further cooling the atmosphere. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rain and storms over the next 24 hours. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 23.1°C and a minimum of 15.2°C.
Bathinda too remains under cloudy skies, with the possibility of rain likely in the coming hours.
Experts caution that if such weather persists, agricultural losses may increase, particularly for wheat crops nearing harvest.
- PTC NEWS
