Stormy Weather Ahead: Yellow Alert Issued for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana, effective from Sunday, March 29. This warning comes as a fresh western disturbance is expected to influence the Himalayan region, leading to intensified weather activity in these areas.
Current Weather Conditions
On Thursday, March 26, the Tricity region experienced warm and largely dry conditions. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees above the normal level, while the minimum temperature settled at 18.7 degrees Celsius, also two degrees above normal. Relative humidity varied between 75% at its maximum and 34% at its minimum.
In Punjab, Patiala reported the highest maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by 4.3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Nuh in Haryana sizzled at 35.6 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature in the state. On average, Punjab's maximum temperature was 3.2 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, while Haryana's was 1.8 degrees Celsius above normal.
Five-Day Weather Outlook
The next two days, Friday and Saturday (March 27-28), are forecast to remain largely dry with partly cloudy skies. In Chandigarh, temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius maximum and 18-19 degrees Celsius minimum.
However, the weather is set to change dramatically from Sunday, March 29. Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning, with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph (gusting up to 60 kmph), is predicted for March 29 and 30. This has prompted the IMD to place both days under a yellow alert for the Tricity, as well as for Punjab and Haryana. Maximum temperatures are anticipated to dip to 29 degrees Celsius on March 29 and 28 degrees Celsius on March 30 as the weather spell intensifies.
IMD Advisory and Precautions
The IMD has issued a special advisory urging residents to take necessary precautions during this period of stormy weather. Key recommendations include:
- Avoid venturing outdoors during thunderstorm or hailstorm events.
- Seek safe shelter away from trees and other potential hazards.
- Suspend all farming operations during the spell to ensure safety.
Farmers have been specifically advised to protect standing wheat and other rabi crops from strong winds and hail. They are also cautioned to avoid irrigation, pesticide spraying, or fertiliser application during periods of stormy weather to prevent damage and ensure crop safety.
In summary, while the region currently enjoys clear skies and above-normal temperatures, residents and farmers in Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana should prepare for a shift to stormy conditions starting Sunday, with the IMD's yellow alert highlighting the need for vigilance and precautionary measures.
