Chandigarh witnessed a dramatic shift in weather conditions on Tuesday as rainfall swept across the city, leading to a sharp decline in temperatures. According to the Meteorological Department, the day temperature plummeted by 5.4 degrees Celsius within a 24-hour period, marking a notable change from previous days.
Rainfall and Weather Disruptions
The spell of rain persisted throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds that reached speeds of 31 km/hr. Thunderstorms and lightning added to the challenging conditions, making movement difficult for residents. Motorists faced significant hurdles due to reduced visibility and slippery road stretches, complicating daily commutes and travel plans.
Rainfall Statistics and Seasonal Trends
Between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm on Tuesday, Chandigarh recorded 40 mm of rainfall. This has pushed the seasonal rainfall total to 59.7 mm, which is 64.6% above the normal average for this time of year, as reported by the weather office. The rain intensified the prevailing cold conditions, contributing to a chillier atmosphere across the city.
Temperature Variations and Records
The maximum temperature dropped to 15.5 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees below the normal level. In contrast, the minimum temperature was recorded at 10.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. This recent rainy spell follows a similar event last week, beginning on Thursday night and continuing until Friday evening, during which Chandigarh recorded 38.3 mm of rainfall. That amount was the highest single-day rain since 2022, when 45.9 mm was recorded. The highest January rainfall on record for the city remains 65 mm, reported in 2017.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
As per the latest forecast from the Met department, light rain is expected to continue on Wednesday, with the sky likely to remain partly cloudy and the possibility of thunderstorms. Clear skies are anticipated on Thursday, offering a brief respite from the wet weather. The following three days are likely to be partly cloudy, maintaining a mix of sun and clouds.
Temperature Predictions
Night temperatures over the next five days are predicted to hover between 8 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures are expected to range from 16 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. This forecast suggests a gradual warming trend, though conditions may remain variable with intermittent cloud cover.
The weather office advises residents to stay updated on alerts and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and rainy periods. With seasonal rainfall significantly above normal, Chandigarh continues to experience an active weather pattern that impacts daily life and temperature norms.
