Chandigarh witnessed a dramatic shift in weather on Saturday as rain showers led to the city recording its coldest May day in decades. The maximum temperature plummeted by 10.3 degrees Celsius within 24 hours, dropping from 35.6 degrees Celsius on Friday to 25.3 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which was 15 degrees below the seasonal normal.
Record-Breaking Low Temperatures
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the lowest maximum temperature recorded in May since 1969, when Chandigarh's weather data became available. The previous record for the lowest maximum temperature in May was 25.7 degrees Celsius, observed on May 2, 2023. Other notably low maximum temperatures in recent years include 26.4 degrees Celsius on May 5, 2025, and 27.4 degrees Celsius on May 1, 1969.
The minimum temperature also saw a significant decline, dropping by 5 degrees Celsius in 24 hours—from 23 degrees Celsius on Friday to 18 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is eight degrees below normal. Historically, the lowest minimum temperature in May has typically ranged between 17 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius.
Heavy Rainfall and Relief for Residents
Rainfall of 6.4 mm was recorded between 8:30 am on Friday and 8:30 am on Saturday, with precipitation intensifying during the day. Between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm on Saturday, the Sector 39 observatory recorded 18.2 mm of rainfall.
After a prolonged period of heat, residents were able to switch off their air conditioners as the cool weather brought relief. Although rain had been forecast for the preceding two days, the weather had remained dry until Saturday.
In the ongoing season from March 1 to date, Chandigarh has received 129.6 mm of rainfall, which is 104.4% above the normal amount.
Forecast for Coming Days
The weather department has issued a rain forecast for Sunday as well, predicting partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and light rain. Similar conditions are expected over the next two days. Thereafter, the sky is likely to become mostly clear. By June 4, the maximum temperature is expected to gradually rise to 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle around 22 degrees Celsius.
Lowest Maximum Temperatures in May (Since 1969)
- 25.3 degrees Celsius — May 30, 2026
- 25.7 degrees Celsius — May 2, 2023
- 26.4 degrees Celsius — May 5, 2025
- 27.2 degrees Celsius — May 1, 1969
- 27.4 degrees Celsius — May 20, 2021
- 27.6 degrees Celsius — May 13, 2013
- 28.4 degrees Celsius — May 4, 2023
- 28.9 degrees Celsius — May 18, 1973
- 29.0 degrees Celsius — May 14, 2021
- 29.6 degrees Celsius — May 25, 2022
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