Tricity braces for thunderstorms, heavy rain from October 5-7; IMD issues alert

Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula are set for an active wet spell early next week as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh between October 5 and 7.

The special weather bulletin issued on Thursday evening flagged the possibility of hailstorms on October 5 and 6 in Punjab and October 6 in Haryana.

According to the IMD, a fresh western disturbance will become active over northwest India from October 4, affecting the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains, including Tricity. Under its influence, rainfall and thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s weather remained relatively stable in the region. Chandigarh recorded a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 24.1°C, both near normal. No rainfall was reported in the last 24 hours. Mohali registered a high of 34.5°C with a minimum of 25.1°C, while Panchkula stayed within the same range. Skies remained largely clear as Chandigarh recorded a maximum relative humidity of 86 per cent and a minimum of 50 per cent, indicating moderately humid weather conditions through the day.

For the coming days, the IMD has forecast partly clear skies over Tricity on October 3 and 4. Conditions will turn partly cloudy with thunder and rain from October 5 onwards. Maximum temperatures are likely to decline gradually — from 35-36°C this weekend to around 30°C by October 7, with minimum temperature dipping to about 20°C.

The department has urged residents to remain alert to weather warnings, particularly on October 6 and 7, when intense rainfall and hailstorm activity could affect mobility and crop harvesting in the region.