Chandigarh, June 18: After enduring a scorching heatwave, large parts of Punjab woke up to a cool reprieve as overnight rainfall swept through much of the state, pulling daytime temperatures well below normal levels.
Barnala, SBS Nagar, Ludhiana, and Ropar emerged as the wettest districts, while regions along the western border — including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Fazilka — remained largely dry.
The India Meteorological Department said the rainfall has helped offset the month’s precipitation shortfall. Between June 1 and 17, Punjab recorded 24.2 mm of rain, surpassing the long-period average of 22 mm by 12 per cent. Just a week ago, the state had reported a rainfall deficit of about 22 per cent.
Tuesday’s maximum temperatures were significantly lower than usual, with a deviation of up to 7.4°C. SBS Nagar reported the lowest daytime temperature at 28.6°C, while Faridkot remained the warmest at 35.6°C. Night temperatures, however, hovered close to normal — ranging from 21.4°C in Ludhiana to 27.6°C in Amritsar.
“A combination of cyclonic circulations and western disturbances is driving this wet phase,” a weather department official said. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in some areas on June 17 and 23, at isolated places on June 18 and 19, and at many locations on June 21 and 22.
With the cool spell set to linger, residents may enjoy a temporary break from the oppressive heat that gripped the region earlier this month.
