The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana on Monday, August 18. The Tricity region—Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—witnessed light to moderate showers on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief from the humid conditions but also causing fresh concerns over waterlogging and damaged roads.
Rain Brings Down Mercury in Tricity
The showers brought a significant dip in the mercury, with daytime temperatures dropping by up to 5.9°C. Panchkula recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Haryana and the Tricity, emerging as the coolest spot in the region.
- Chandigarh received 2.4 mm rainfall, with maximum and minimum temperatures recorded at 28.8°C and 26.4°C.
- Mohali witnessed 0.5 mm showers, recording a maximum of 28.9°C and a minimum of 26.5°C.
- Panchkula remained the coldest, with 27.2°C maximum and 25.2°C minimum, reflecting a sharp drop in temperature.
Humidity, however, remained high in Chandigarh at 92%, adding to the muggy conditions despite the rainfall.
Roads Deteriorate, Waterlogging Creates Chaos
The continuous rainfall further worsened the already deteriorating road conditions, with potholes getting deeper and wider, posing danger for commuters. Several low-lying areas in Zirakpur and Baltana witnessed severe waterlogging, resulting in long traffic jams and chaos on busy stretches.
IMD Forecast for Tricity and Region
According to the IMD forecast, the Tricity will experience partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and rain for the next five days, till August 22. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 30°C and 25°C, respectively.
IMD officials added that average maximum temperatures in Punjab and Haryana on Sunday dropped by 2.1°C and 1.9°C, which was below normal by 1.8°C and 3.2°C, respectively.
The highest maximum temperature in the region was 35.4°C in Bathinda (Punjab), followed by 34°C in Sirsa (Haryana). Extremely heavy downpour was also reported in Pathankot, Punjab, while several districts in both states saw light to moderate rainfall.
Weather Outlook
With the yellow alert in place, residents of Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana have been advised to remain cautious of waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and lightning strikes. The next few days are expected to remain wet and relatively cooler, offering respite from the scorching summer heat but continuing to challenge daily commuters.