Chandigarh Rain Red Alert: Heavy overnight rainfall pushed Chandigarh back into the spotlight on Friday morning after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert, warning residents to prepare for another spell of moderate to intense rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The fresh alert came just hours after the city experienced one of its wettest days of the ongoing monsoon season, raising concerns over waterlogging, traffic congestion, and public safety across the Tricity region.
Rain continued through the night following Thursday’s widespread showers, leaving many roads submerged and slowing traffic during the morning rush hour. Commuters travelling along the Chandigarh-Zirakpur National Highway encountered long traffic snarls as vehicles struggled through waterlogged stretches. Several low-lying areas once again witnessed accumulation of rainwater, highlighting the recurring challenges faced by the city’s drainage infrastructure during periods of intense monsoon activity.
At 7:22 a.m., the IMD issued a Red Alert Nowcast for Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and surrounding areas, forecasting another two to three hours of moderate to heavy rainfall. The weather department urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid taking shelter beneath trees, stay away from weak structures, and postpone outdoor activities until conditions became safer.
The latest warning follows a significant rainfall event on Thursday when Chandigarh recorded 34 mm of rain between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. According to official weather data, it was the highest rainfall recorded in Punjab during that period and the third-highest across the Punjab-Haryana region, behind Yamunanagar, which received 54 mm, and Palwal, where 38.5 mm of rainfall was measured.
Weather experts say the southwest monsoon remains highly active over the region, with abundant moisture and favourable atmospheric conditions continuing to fuel repeated spells of rainfall. These conditions have increased the likelihood of intermittent heavy showers over the next few days, keeping emergency services and civic authorities on alert.
An IMD spokesperson said, “The southwest monsoon remains active over Chandigarh. High moisture availability and favourable atmospheric conditions are supporting repeated spells of rain. The city is likely to witness intermittent rain through Monday, with isolated heavy spells. Rainfall activity is expected to reduce from Tuesday.”
The department has retained a Yellow Alert for Chandigarh until Monday, indicating the possibility of heavy rain at isolated locations along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Although no weather warning has been issued beyond Monday, meteorologists expect seasonal monsoon showers to continue even as the intensity gradually decreases from Tuesday onward.
The repeated rainfall has once again exposed vulnerable locations where storm-water drains and roadside gullies struggle to clear runoff quickly. Water accumulation on major roads not only slows traffic but also disrupts daily routines, increases the risk of vehicle breakdowns, and creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while advising citizens to remain vigilant. Residents have been encouraged to follow official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, and report incidents of flooding or fallen trees to local emergency services. Emergency response teams remain prepared to respond if rainfall intensifies further.
The IMD’s colour-coded warning system reflects the seriousness of the evolving weather conditions. A Yellow Alert advises people to stay aware as weather may affect routine activities, while an Orange Alert signals the need for preparedness due to the likelihood of disruption. A Red Alert, the highest level of warning, calls for immediate action as severe weather is either expected or already occurring, urging people to strictly follow official advisories and minimise outdoor movement.
For Chandigarh and the neighbouring cities of Mohali and Panchkula, the latest warning serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of the southwest monsoon. While the rainfall has brought relief from high temperatures and contributed to seasonal water replenishment, it has also underscored the importance of resilient urban infrastructure capable of handling increasingly intense weather events. With more rain forecast over the weekend, residents are expected to remain cautious until weather conditions begin to stabilise next week.