The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that hot and humid conditions are likely to persist across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana for at least the next several days, even as heavy rains have battered Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other parts of north India over the past week.
Subdued Weather Activity Despite Alerts
Despite repeated thunderstorm alerts over the past week, weather activity in the Chandigarh Tricity region has remained largely subdued. Several yellow and orange alerts issued since last week produced little more than brief cloudiness, isolated gusty winds, and scattered showers, with most forecasts failing to translate into widespread rainfall on the ground.
On Sunday, Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 39.8°C, up 1.2 degrees Celsius from the previous day and 2.3 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 25°C, remaining 2.6 degrees below normal. No rainfall was recorded during the past 24 hours. The airport observatory reported an even higher maximum of 40.2°C and a minimum of 27.6°C.
Broader Regional Picture
The broader regional picture was similar. Haryana's average maximum temperature rose by 0.3 degree Celsius and remained 2.3 degrees above normal, while average minimum temperatures also increased by 0.3 degree Celsius and stayed near normal. Rohtak emerged as the hottest place in Haryana at 42.1°C, while several stations in Punjab crossed the 40-degree mark.
Yellow Alert and Forecast
According to the IMD forecast, a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places will remain in force till Wednesday across parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. However, given the limited impact of similar warnings during the past week, significant weather activity is not expected over most parts of the Tricity region.
The forecast indicates only scattered rainfall at isolated places through Wednesday, accompanied by partly cloudy skies. Thereafter, no weather warning or alert has been issued from Thursday onwards, suggesting a largely stable and predominantly dry weather regime over northwestern India.
Meteorologist's Insight
Meteorologists say the absence of any strong western disturbance or organised weather system over the region is limiting rainfall potential, even as abundant moisture and active weather systems continue to produce heavy rain over adjoining northern states and the Delhi-NCR region.
An IMD meteorologist said the current weather pattern reflects a classic pre-monsoon transition phase in which cloud cover and humidity increase without necessarily producing substantial rainfall. "While neighbouring regions have received significant rainfall from active weather systems, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh have largely remained on the periphery of these systems. As a result, temperatures are staying above normal during the day, and nights are becoming increasingly warm and humid. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible till midweek, but no widespread rainfall event is currently indicated. The absence of any warning from Thursday onwards suggests that hot weather conditions are likely to persist until a stronger monsoon-related system influences the region," the meteorologist said.
Temperature Outlook
For Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 36°C and 38°C during the next five days, while minimum temperatures are likely to remain between 25°C and 27°C. Partly cloudy skies are expected to prevail, but the probability of widespread rainfall remains low.
The forecast means residents should not expect any immediate break from the heat. Although temperatures are unlikely to reach the extreme levels witnessed during the recent heatwave earlier this month, the combination of warm days, humid nights, and limited rainfall is expected to keep discomfort levels elevated across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and much of Punjab and Haryana through the remainder of the week.
