Chandigarh: After an early onset in parts of southern and eastern India, the monsoon has lost momentum and is now likely to miss its normal arrival date in Chandigarh. According to weather officials, the monsoon is expected to reach the city by the end of this month.
Reasons for Delay
Officials at the weather department attribute this slowdown to the absence of strong moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea. These winds are crucial for propelling the monsoon northward along the Konkan coast.
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into parts of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of Chhattisgarh on June 23. Earlier, the monsoon was expected to arrive in Chandigarh on June 24-25, which is considered normal. Surender Paul, director of the Chandigarh meteorological centre, said, “Due to its slow movement, monsoon is now expected by the end of June.” He added that pre-monsoon showers are not expected anytime soon.
Weather Updates for Chandigarh
Despite the delay, residents may get intermittent relief from the summer heat. The IMD has forecast isolated rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the city on June 18 and 21. The weather office predicts partly cloudy skies with chances of light rain and thunderstorms this week.
According to the IMD’s evening bulletin, Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 38.3 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 25.5 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal.
Temperature Forecast
- Maximum temperature: Likely to hover around 37 degrees Celsius for the next three days, then dip to 36 degrees Celsius on June 21 and 35 degrees Celsius on June 22.
- Minimum temperature: Expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.
Weather Alert
The IMD has issued a weather alert for Chandigarh and surrounding areas, warning of possible thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places from June 18 to June 22.
Respite from Heat
Meteorologists said the expected cloud cover and scattered rainfall could help moderate daytime temperatures and provide some relief from the prevailing humid conditions. However, no widespread or prolonged rainfall event is expected in the region at present, with only isolated showers forecast during this period.
