After 2 days of downpour, weather clears; partly cloudy skies in tricity

After two consecutive days of the region’s heaviest rain, the tricity woke up to bright, partly cloudy skies on Wednesday, marking a welcome break from the persistent wet spell that drenched the area and sent temperatures tumbling.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no rain was recorded in the past 24 hours, indicating a sharp shift to dry weather after the heavy downpour that lashed the region since the start of the week.

Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 30.4°C, while Mohali was the warmest in Punjab at 31.8°C. Despite the rise of around five degrees in daytime temperature compared to the previous day, readings remained markedly below normal by around 5°C, reflecting the lingering coolness in the air after the rain.

The minimum temperature was 16.3°C in Chandigarh and 17.8°C in Mohali, both marginally below normal. Relative humidity levels stayed high -- 93% (maximum) and 56% (minimum) -- indicating moisture retention in the post-rain atmosphere.

Forecast: Clear skies ahead

The Met office has predicted mainly clear skies over the next five days (October 9-13) across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. Day temperatures are expected to range between 28°C and 30°C, while night temperatures will hover between 18°C and 20°C, ensuring cool and comfortable evenings.

Why October still brings occasional rain

Although the southwest monsoon withdraws from north India by early October, the atmosphere doesn’t immediately turn dry. Residual moisture and shifting wind patterns, combined with western disturbances or low-pressure systems forming over the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal, can still trigger isolated rain or thundershowers in northwestern India. These brief wet spells often cause short-term drops in temperature and humidity before clearer, cooler autumn weather sets in.