Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
With the onset of April, a significant shift in weather patterns has been observed across North India. A strong Western Disturbance has become active, leading to major atmospheric instability in Chandigarh as well as the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for rain, strong winds, and hailstorms across the entire northwestern region over the next 48 hours.
Since Tuesday morning, dense cloud cover has hovered over Chandigarh and nearby plains, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperature. Meteorological experts state that this Western Disturbance has intensified due to a cyclonic circulation forming over central Pakistan and adjoining Rajasthan. Its impact is expected to persist until the evening of April 9, keeping the region under unstable weather conditions.
Cold Returns to Plains Amid Snowfall in Hills
The day in Panchkula began under heavy cloud cover, and according to the weather department, the maximum temperature in the city is expected to remain around 31°C—3 to 4 degrees below normal. Officials have warned that by late evening or night, dust storms with wind speeds of 40–50 km/h, accompanied by thunder and light showers, are likely.
Orange Alert Raises Concerns Among Farmers
This weather shift comes at a crucial time when wheat harvesting is in full swing across the plains of Haryana and Punjab. In several districts, crops are fully ripe, while harvesting has already begun in others. The IMD’s ‘Orange Alert’ has heightened concerns among farmers. Experts warn that strong winds and hailstorms could damage standing crops, causing grain loss and lodging of ready-to-harvest wheat.
Heavy Snowfall in Himachal’s Higher Reaches
In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, the situation is more severe. Higher altitudes in Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu have been witnessing continuous snowfall over the past 24 hours, further intensifying the cold conditions.