A fresh western disturbance interacting with moisture-laden southwesterly winds brought light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Monday, providing respite from the prevailing heat and setting the stage for a wet week ahead.
According to meteorologists, a cyclonic circulation over Punjab, Haryana and adjoining areas, coupled with moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggered widespread weather activity across the region.
“There was a cyclonic circulation over Punjab, Haryana and nearby areas, which led to rain over Delhi. Moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea also helped in the development of this weather activity. Because of the moisture and the cyclonic circulation, parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi received rain," said Mahesh Palawat, Vice-President, Climate and Meteorology, Skymet Weather.
In Chandigarh, cloudy skies and intermittent showers brought down temperatures, offering relief from the sultry weather conditions witnessed over the past few days. Similar weather prevailed in several parts of Punjab, including Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Amritsar and Jalandhar, where gusty winds accompanied light to moderate rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh over the next two days. While the intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce gradually, the presence of moisture in the atmosphere is likely to keep temperatures under check.
Palawat said temperatures are not expected to rise significantly during this period. “After that, temperatures are likely to start increasing again," he added.
The wet spell in Punjab is part of a broader weather system affecting northwestern India. Rain and strong winds lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Rajasthan, while thunderstorms and hailstorms were reported from Himachal Pradesh.
The IMD said conditions remain favourable for scattered rainfall and thunderstorms across Punjab till June 21. Farmers, especially those preparing fields for paddy transplantation, are expected to benefit from the pre-monsoon showers, though experts advised caution in areas prone to waterlogging and lightning.
Meanwhile, weather models indicate that while the southwest monsoon is advancing into more parts of the country, widespread monsoon rainfall is likely to remain subdued for another week before picking up pace towards the end of June.
With PTI inputs
