Cloudy skies blanket Ludhiana, light rainfall likely in next 24 hours

The city remained under a thick cloud cover throughout Tuesday, offering a brief respite from the scorching summer heat. The Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, has issued an orange alert for Wednesday and Thursday, indicating heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms in some parts of Punjab.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) early in the morning around 5 am was 99, falling in the ‘satisfactory’ category, but as the day progressed it increased to 105 at 9 am, while at 4 pm it reached 113—both readings falling in the ‘moderate’ category.

According to the Department of Climate Change & Agricultural Meteorology at PAU, Ludhiana is expected to witness partly cloudy skies with a possibility of light to moderate rainfall over the next 24 hours. The weather forecast aligns with broader monsoon activity across north-west India.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 33.4°C, while the minimum settled at 26.8°C. Humidity levels remained high, with morning relative humidity at 84 per cent and evening levels at 66 per cent, contributing to a muggy atmosphere.

Residents welcomed the overcast skies and the promise of rain. “The cloud cover brought some relief from the scorching heat. A light shower would be perfect,” said Ravneet Kaur, a private bank employee from Model Town.

Others, however, expressed concern about waterlogging. “Even a short spell of rain causes waterlogging in our area. The MC needs to act fast before the real monsoon hits,” said Harpreet Singh, a shopkeeper in Giaspura.

With the monsoon expected to intensify in the coming days, authorities have advised residents to stay updated on local forecasts. The civic body has also urged citizens to report clogged drains and cooperate with ongoing desilting operations.

As Ludhiana braces for the first significant showers of the season, the cloudy skies serve as both a relief and a reminder—to enjoy the cool breeze, but stay prepared.