CHANDIGARH, July 5: After recording its wettest June in over a decade, Chandigarh is set to receive another intense spell of monsoon rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy showers across the region over the next five days starting Saturday.
The IMD has issued yellow and orange alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall from July 6 to July 10, warning of possible disruption due to waterlogging, uprooted trees, and traffic obstructions.
According to the forecast, light to moderate rain is expected at most places in Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana on July 6 and 7, with heavy rain on Saturday, and very heavy rain likely at isolated places on Sunday and Monday. A renewed spell of heavy rain is expected again from Tuesday to Wednesday next week.
“Heavy rainfall (7cm or more) is very likely from July 5 to 9 at isolated places over northern and eastern parts of Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana,” the IMD stated. Very heavy rainfall (12 cm or more) is likely at isolated locations in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Ropar on July 6 and 7.
Despite the intense forecast, the tricity region remained dry for a second consecutive day on Thursday. However, fluctuations in temperature were noted. Chandigarh recorded a maximum of 34.7°C, down by 1.7 degrees from the previous day, while the minimum temperature rose to 27.8°C, three degrees higher than Wednesday.
Meteorologists have predicted partly to generally cloudy skies with thunderstorm activity and intermittent rain until at least July 8.
Chandigarh, which received 213mm of rain in June — the highest in a decade and 37% above normal — started July on a similarly intense note with 31mm of rain on July 1, followed by 221.2mm between Sunday and Tuesday.
While the showers brought much-needed relief from sweltering temperatures, they also caused severe disruptions: roads caved in, trees and electric poles were uprooted, and power and water supply were hit, severely affecting normal life in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow weather updates closely as the city prepares for another potentially hazardous rain spell.
