Chandigarh experienced its third driest June in 14 years, with a 75% rainfall deficit, before the southwest monsoon finally arrived on July 1, 2026, bringing widespread rain and a significant drop in temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph from July 2 to July 7.
June Rainfall Deficit and Historical Context
According to the IMD's monthly weather summary, Chandigarh received only 39.3 mm of rainfall in June against the normal 155.5 mm, marking a 75% deficit. This made June 2026 the third driest June in the last 14 years, behind only 2024 (11.9 mm) and 2019 (24.8 mm). In contrast, June 2025 recorded 213 mm of rainfall, highlighting the severity of this year's pre-monsoon shortfall.
Monsoon Arrival and Rainfall Distribution
The southwest monsoon advanced into Chandigarh on Wednesday, nearly a week behind its normal schedule. Between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, Chandigarh city recorded 10.2 mm of rainfall, while Chandigarh airport received 22 mm and Mohali 21 mm, making the Tricity the wettest pocket in Punjab and Haryana that day.
Temperature Drop and Weather Impact
The rain caused a dramatic fall in temperatures. Chandigarh's maximum temperature plunged to 29.7°C, down 7.3°C from Tuesday and 5.8°C below normal. Mohali recorded 28.8°C, a decline of 6.6°C, while Chandigarh airport reported 28.9°C, 6.4°C lower than the previous day. Night temperatures also moderated, with Chandigarh's minimum falling by 2.4°C to 27.4°C and Mohali's dropping 2.3°C to 28.3°C. Despite the cooling, minimums remained marginally above normal due to increased atmospheric moisture from the monsoon.
IMD Forecast and Active Monsoon Phase
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall at many places with isolated heavy spells over the next several days. For Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, partly cloudy skies accompanied by thunderstorms and rain are expected over the next five days. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 32°C and 34°C, while minimums are expected to stay in the 24-25°C range, well below the levels recorded during the prolonged heat spell.
A meteorologist stated, "The delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon prolonged dry weather through June, resulting in a large rainfall deficit. With the monsoon now reaching Chandigarh, the weather pattern has changed significantly. Frequent spells of rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy rainfall are likely over the next several days, which will keep daytime temperatures below normal and help recover part of the seasonal rainfall deficit."
Conclusion
After ending June as one of its driest in more than a decade, Chandigarh has begun July on a markedly different note, with the monsoon finally setting in and the IMD forecasting an active first week of the season. The yellow alert indicates that residents should prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds through the coming days.
