CHANDIGARH, May 12 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh yellow alert for the Chandigarh tricity at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, warning of impending thunderstorms, rain, and strong gusty winds. The advisory, which covers Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, comes just hours after an early morning rain spell lashed the region, and indicates that active weather cells are again moving toward the tricity.
Meteorological officials stated that current radar imagery shows convective activity bearing down on the region, likely to manifest within the next two to three hours. Residents have been advised to seek safe shelter immediately and avoid standing under trees or near weak structures during the storm. The IMD noted that the current instability is driven by a Western Disturbance positioned as a cyclonic circulation over North Pakistan, which is expected to keep weather conditions unsettled through Friday.
The day began with a 5 a.m. rain spell that delivered 4.2 mm of rainfall to Chandigarh and 2.5 mm to Mohali. While the morning activity subsided by sunrise, the new alert suggests a second wave of intensity. “Active thunderstorm and rain cells are currently approaching the tricity region,” an IMD spokesperson stated. The official noted that while the orange alert remains in force for parts of the day, it is expected to transition into a yellow alert from Thursday onward.
Temperature readings across the region remain below normal due to the ongoing precipitation. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 22.8°C on Monday night, which is one degree below the seasonal average. Forecasters affirmed that while nights are gradually warming, the current wet spell will keep daytime temperatures below the 40°C mark until the weekend. Dry and clear conditions are predicted to return by Saturday, with a sharp rise in mercury expected thereafter.
