Brace for stormy weather in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali on April 7, 8
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the Tricity for April 7 and 8, warning of intense thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms.
The alert follows the arrival of a powerful fresh western disturbance (WD) that is expected to bring a significant change in the region’s atmospheric conditions early next week.
According to the Meteorological Department, while the next 48 hours may see lighter activity, the intensity of the weather system will peak towards Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents have been advised to take precautions against gusty winds, which could reach the speed of 40–60 kmph during the peak alert period.
In the past 24 hours, the Tricity witnessed a shift in weather as the first traces of the current disturbance moved in. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8°C on Saturday, which is 1.8°C below the seasonal normal and a slight dip from the previous day’s high. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 17.2°C.
Mohali and Panchkula also experienced similar fluctuations. Mohali recorded the maximum of 30.2°C and minimum of 19.3°C. Moisture levels in the air have seen a significant surge, with relative humidity in the city peaking at 86% as cloud cover begins to consolidate over the region.
The IMD forecast indicates that under the influence of the current WD, light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to persist through Sunday. However, the system is expected to regain strength by Tuesday, triggering the orange alert.
“A strong western disturbance is currently active over the region. While it has already brought light rain of 3.6 mm to the city on Friday, the core of the system will bring more widespread activity, including the possibility of hailstorms in isolated areas by April 7 and 8,” said an official of the department.
The weather in the Tricity is expected to remain relatively calm through Sunday and Monday, with partly cloudy skies and only occasional light rain or drizzles. The daytime temperature is likely to hover between 28°C and 31°C.
