CHANDIGARH, May 21: Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds struck several regions of Punjab, including Chandigarh and Mohali, on Tuesday evening, providing much-needed respite from the ongoing heatwave. However, the sudden weather change also led to darkened skies, uprooted trees, and storm-like conditions in many places.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for gusty winds and rainfall across the Tricity—comprising Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali—as well as several adjoining districts.
“Strong winds and scattered rainfall are expected to continue in parts of northern Punjab this evening,” the IMD stated, cautioning commuters and residents in low-lying areas.
The weather disturbance affected multiple locations, including Kharar, Chamkaur Sahib, Rupnagar, Balachaur, Nawanshahr, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Garhshankar, Nangal, Zirakpur, Dasuya, and Mukerian. Areas like Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib, Samrala, Phagwara, and Jalandhar also reported heavy winds.
Local residents said roads were waterlogged in parts of Mohali and Chandigarh, while sudden darkness fell in the late afternoon due to dense cloud cover. Some streets were left damaged with new potholes forming, adding to the traffic woes.
Authorities advised people to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions stabilize.
