The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its weather outlook for Chandigarh, scaling down the yellow alert to cover only until Wednesday. The alert warns of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated places. This decision follows intermittent light to moderate rain that continued through the night and into Saturday, providing much-needed relief from the hot and humid conditions.
Rainfall and Temperature Trends
According to the IMD, Chandigarh recorded light rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Saturday, followed by another brief spell during the day. The maximum temperature dropped by 2 degrees Celsius from the previous day, settling at 35.7°C—just 0.2 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature rose marginally by 0.3 degrees. Relative humidity remained high throughout the day, contributing to the muggy conditions.
The city has entered a stable monsoon phase, with rainfall occurring in spells rather than continuously. A meteorologist explained, “Monsoon conditions are established over Chandigarh. Rainfall is expected to remain intermittent, with the more active phase likely between Monday and Wednesday. The cloud cover and periodic showers will keep daytime temperatures close to or below normal, while humidity levels will remain high.”
Active Phase Expected Monday to Wednesday
The forecast indicates that rainfall activity will intensify from Monday to Wednesday, marking the most active phase of the current spell. During this period, Chandigarh is likely to witness light to moderate rain at many places, with heavy showers at isolated locations. The IMD has advised residents to be cautious of potential waterlogging and reduced visibility due to heavy downpours.
From Thursday onwards, no weather warning or alert has been issued, suggesting a likely reduction in rainfall activity. However, isolated showers cannot be ruled out under typical monsoon conditions. The IMD will continue to monitor the situation and update the forecast as necessary.
Impact and Precautions
The intermittent rain has helped keep temperatures in check, but the high humidity levels may cause discomfort. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain spells. The gusty winds associated with thunderstorms could damage vulnerable structures, so it is recommended to secure loose objects outdoors.
The revised alert underscores the dynamic nature of monsoon weather, with the IMD providing timely updates to help the public plan their activities. The city’s drainage systems should be prepared for possible waterlogging in low-lying areas, especially during the peak rain days from Monday to Wednesday.
