The weather remained dry across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana in the past 24 hours.
Heatwave conditions were observed at many places in Haryana and at isolated places in Punjab.
Average minimum temperature in Punjab rose 2.1°C and was 1.7°C above normal, with Hoshiarpur recording the lowest overnight temperature at 21.7°C.
Fairly widespread rain is forecast across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana — at many places — with thunderstorms and lightning with squalls of 70-80 kmph gusting 90 kmph, hailstorm at isolated places, and moderate to heavy rain at isolated places.
Chandigarh weather observatoryMaximum temperature at Chandigarh Weather Observatory was 40°C (0.1°C below normal) and minimum was 25.6°C (at normal).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for widespread heavy rain, thunderstorm, lightning, a squall of 70-80 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph and a hailstorm across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana on Friday — even as a similar red alert for Thursday had largely failed to deliver any visible impact in the Tricity by the time this report was filed.
Advertisement
Thursday morning had begun on a genuinely hopeful note. Overcast skies, a mild southeasterly breeze at 20 kmph, early drizzle around 9 am, and a relatively comfortable 32°C through the morning had raised hopes of a decisive break from the punishing heatwave gripping the region since Monday.
Advertisement
As the day progressed, however, clouds thinned, the heat made a swift comeback, and Chandigarh ended up recording a maximum of 40°C.
Advertisement
While this was 3.1°C lower than Wednesday’s scorching 43.1°C and virtually at normal (just 0.1°C below), the night told a different story: the minimum temperature shot up to 25.6°C — a jump of 3.1 degrees from Wednesday night's 22.5°C — a textbook signal of humid, unsettled conditions building ahead of major storm activity.
The weather remained dry across Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana in the past 24 hours. Heatwave conditions were observed at many places in Haryana and at isolated places in Punjab.
Advertisement
Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C (0.1°C below normal) and a minimum of 25.6°C (at normal). Across Punjab, average maximum temperature fell 2.1°C and settled near normal, though Faridkot still scorched at 45.4°C — joint highest in the country alongside Sirsa in Haryana.
Average minimum temperature in Punjab rose 2.1°C and was 1.7°C above normal, with Hoshiarpur recording the lowest overnight temperature at 21.7°C.
In Haryana, the average maximum fell a sharper 3.4°C from Wednesday and was near normal, with Sirsa equalling Faridkot at 45.4°C. Average minimum rose 1.2°C and was near normal, with Sonepat logging the lowest night temperature at 22.3°C.
IMD issues red alert
IMD warned of a significant weather assault on Friday. Fairly widespread rain is forecast across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana — at many places — with thunderstorms and lightning with squalls of 70-80 kmph gusting 90 kmph, hailstorm at isolated places, and moderate to heavy rain at isolated places. The day carries a red alert.
It forecasts a fall in maximum temperatures by 6-8°C from Thursday’s levels. Heatwave conditions are expected to abate completely from Friday onwards, providing the long-overdue relief that Thursday failed to deliver.
Orange alert in place for Saturday
Saturday will see fairly widespread rain continuing — again at many places — with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph along with heavy rain at isolated places, under an orange alert.
Hot, dry spell to return from June 1
Sunday will bring only isolated showers with no formal weather alert in force. From Monday onwards, dry conditions return for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — and with clear skies and the mercury beginning to climb again, another oppressive heat spell is on the cards.
Next 5-day Tricity forecast
Friday: partly cloudy with thunderstorms and rain, max 40°C, min 25°C. Saturday: partly cloudy with thunderstorm and rain, max 39°C, min 20°C — the coolest night of the forecast window. Sunday: partly cloudy, max 36°C, min 23°C. Monday: partly cloudy, max 36°C, min 24°C. Tuesday: mainly clear sky, max 38°C, min 24°C — the mercury already edging back up.
Chandigarh weather observatory
Maximum temperature at Chandigarh Weather Observatory was 40°C (0.1°C below normal) and minimum was 25.6°C (at normal). Maximum relative humidity was 46 per cent and minimum was 29 per cent — notably higher than Wednesday’s parched 13 per cent, confirming moisture build-up. No rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours. Seasonal rainfall from March 1 stood at 105 mm, which is 96.3 per cent of normal. Sunset on Friday is at 7:17 pm and sunrise on Saturday will be at 5:23 am.
IMD advisory
IMD has issued the following advisory for residents of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana ahead of the severe storm activity expected from Friday:
Move indoors to a safe building immediately during storms; avoid weak structures and stay away from windows. Do not take shelter under trees or go near water bodies. If caught in a hailstorm, protect your head and bring children indoors immediately. If driving, pull over at a safe location and remain inside the closed vehicle.
Keep livestock at a safe location. Stay away from electric poles and power lines. Unplug electrical equipment and do not touch metallic objects, water taps, or pipes. Suspend all farming operations; protect standing crops from strong winds and hailstorms where possible. Avoid spraying pesticides or fertilisers during thunderstorms or strong winds. Keep harvested crops in a safe place.
IMD has warned that the likely impacts include falling tree branches and flying debris, lightning strikes on large trees and hilltops, injuries to people and livestock from hail, damage to vehicles, windows, and asbestos sheds, disruptions to electricity and water supply, slippery roads and poor visibility causing traffic disruptions, and damage to kutcha structures.
