Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Heavy rainfall activity is expected to begin across Punjab and Chandigarh from Friday and may continue until August 19, according to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the region, warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the coming days.

The maximum temperature in Punjab has increased by 0.7°C, making it 2.7°C above normal. Patiala recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37.2°C.

Orange alert for Chandigarh tricity area

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and nearby areas. Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected within the next few hours. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during storm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees.

Heavy rain and strong winds expected in border districts

Districts including Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Batala, Ajnala and Dera Baba Nanak are likely to receive heavy rainfall along with lightning and strong winds of 30–40 kmph.

Meanwhile, Mohali, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and adjoining areas may witness moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Patiala, Rajpura and Ludhiana are expected to receive light rainfall.

Landslide impact slows trains in Pathankot section

Train services have also been affected due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region and stones falling on railway tracks following a landslide. According to railway authorities, four train services operating on the Pathankot–Baijnath Paprola section have been cancelled until further orders.

The cancelled trains are:

  • 52467

  • 52470

  • 52474

  • 52465

Railway officials are monitoring the situation and restoration work will be undertaken once weather conditions improve.

Authorities advise caution

The weather department has urged people to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and follow official advisories as heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to affect several parts of Punjab and the Chandigarh tricity region through the weekend and into next week.