Residents of the Tricity region woke up to cloudy skies and early morning showers on Tuesday, but weather officials say the day may bring more dramatic conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh yellow alert for Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, warning that thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds could hit parts of the region within the next few hours.
The alert was issued around 11:30 am after radar images showed an active band of thunderstorms moving steadily toward the Tricity area. According to meteorologists, these storm cells could trigger sudden rainfall and gusty winds in several localities during the afternoon. Officials have advised residents to remain alert and move to safer places if the weather intensifies.
Authorities also issued a safety advisory, urging people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Strong winds and lightning are common during such weather activity and can cause unexpected hazards, especially for commuters and those working outdoors.
The warning comes after the region had already experienced a brief but noticeable spell of rain early Tuesday morning. Around 5 am, light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, swept across the Tricity region. The rainfall lasted less than an hour and the skies cleared shortly after sunrise, giving many residents the impression that the worst had passed.
However, weather officials say the early morning rain was only part of a larger weather system currently influencing the region. Data recorded until 8:30 am showed that Chandigarh received 4.2 mm of rainfall, making it one of the wetter locations in Punjab and Haryana during the early hours. Only Pathankot reported slightly higher rainfall at 4.5 mm. Nearby Mohali recorded around 2.5 mm of rain during the same period.
Light rainfall was also reported in several other parts of the region. Nawanshahr received 2.2 mm, while Bhiwani recorded about 2 mm. Karnal registered 1.8 mm of rainfall, and Yamunanagar reported 1 mm. Hisar recorded 1.2 mm, while Sirsa only saw a trace amount. Most other weather stations across Punjab and Haryana reported dry conditions during the early morning observations.
Despite the rainfall and storm activity, night temperatures across the region remain slightly below seasonal averages. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 22.8 degrees Celsius on Monday night, about one degree below the normal mark for this time of year. Mohali reported a minimum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius.
Across the broader region, Gurugram recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Haryana at around 21 degrees Celsius, while Anandpur Sahib experienced the coolest night in Punjab with a minimum temperature of approximately 21.1 degrees Celsius. Weather experts say the gradual increase in night temperatures suggests the region is moving toward hotter summer conditions, even though occasional storms are currently providing temporary relief.
Meteorologists say the unstable weather conditions are being driven by a western disturbance currently positioned over North Pakistan. This system has developed into an upper-air cyclonic circulation that is influencing weather patterns across northern India. As a result, clouds, thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall are expected to continue affecting the region for the next few days.
The IMD has indicated that wind speeds during thunderstorms could reach 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, with isolated gusts possibly touching 70 kilometres per hour in some places. Such winds can cause minor damage to trees, temporary structures and power lines, especially in exposed areas.
Weather officials expect the unsettled conditions to continue through Wednesday under the ongoing alert. After that, the intensity of the system is likely to gradually weaken. Forecasts suggest that weather warnings may be downgraded to a yellow alert from Thursday through Friday as rainfall activity becomes more scattered.
Once the weather system moves away, the region is expected to experience a rapid rise in temperatures. Forecasters predict that by the weekend, clear skies and strong sunshine could push daytime temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius, bringing typical summer heat back to the Tricity region.
For now, authorities are urging residents to stay updated with weather advisories and take precautions during thunderstorms. Avoiding open areas, staying indoors during lightning activity and driving carefully during heavy rain are among the precautions recommended by weather officials.
Summary / Key Points
Thunderstorm activity is expected to affect Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula in the next few hours following a yellow alert issued by the India Meteorological Department. The region already received early morning rainfall, with Chandigarh recording 4.2 mm of rain. Weather instability is being caused by an active western disturbance, which may keep conditions unsettled until Friday. After that, temperatures are likely to rise quickly and could cross 40°C by the weekend.