Despite IMD monsoon withdrawal claim, showers lash Chandigarh Tricity region

Light to moderate showers lashed Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on Thursday, just three days after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the region on September 15.

With the fresh spell of rain, which brought much-needed respite from humid conditions, Chandigarh’s seasonal rainfall since June 1 has reached 1064.4 mm (as of 5:30 pm Thursday), 28% above normal..

According to the IMD, Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 31.9°C, one degree below normal, and a minimum of 23.7°C, also a degree below normal. The city received 5.8 mm of rainfall till Thursday morning, followed by another 15.3 mm during the day. The maximum relative humidity was 92% and the minimum 70%.

Following rain in the catchment area, one of the three floodgates of the Sukhna Lake was opened for a record 11th time in the wee hours on Thursday. The water level had crossed the danger mark of 1,163 feet.

According to officials, the floodgate was opened around 4 am and closed around 12.30 pm when the water level came down to nearly 1,162. 90 ft.

Earlier, the floodgates were opened on September 6, 3 and 1, August 30, 29, 19, 17, 15, 8 and 6.