Chandigarh, April 3: The India Meteorological Department has placed Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana under an orange alert for Friday and Saturday, forecasting a period of intense weather activity driven by a fresh western disturbance. Meteorologists state that the region should prepare for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, with isolated hailstorms also expected.
The stormy conditions are predicted to persist through the weekend before a brief stabilization occurs. However, a secondary weather system under a yellow alert is projected to arrive by Tuesday, bringing further lightning and winds of up to 40 kmph.
“The IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and light rain activity on April 3 and 4,” the department stated in its official bulletin. Forecasters noted that while the mercury has recently hovered near normal levels—with Chandigarh recording a high of 32.8°C—the incoming system will likely keep maximum temperatures between 30°C and 32°C over the next five days.
The timing of the alert has caused significant anxiety within the agricultural community. With the wheat harvest at an advanced stage, the combination of heavy rain and high-velocity winds poses a severe risk of lodging, where standing crops are flattened.
Farmers were advised by the IMD to suspend all field operations and avoid irrigation during this window. “The police and local authorities have also cautioned residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep away from electric poles,” an official stated, citing the heightened risk of lightning strikes.
While Punjab remained largely dry over the last 24 hours, parts of Haryana experienced light scattered rainfall. Higher temperatures were recorded in Patiala and Gurugram, reaching 36.8°C and 37.8°C respectively, shortly before the arrival of the current disturbance.
