Chandigarh: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several parts of Punjab as the monsoon intensifies across the region. The alert covers 11 districts, with forecasts indicating heavy rainfall from June 30 through the first week of July. The current spell, which began on Saturday, is expected to last at least seven days.
As per official data, rainfall in June has already exceeded normal levels by 19%, bringing early relief to the parched state and increasing water levels in key dams.
🌧️ Rainfall Update: 19% Above Average in June
This year, the monsoon arrived five days earlier than expected, and so far, it has proved generous. According to IMD statistics, by June 29, Punjab had received 54.9 mm rainfall, compared to the normal 46.2 mm, marking a 19% surplus.
Heavy showers were recorded in parts of Punjab on Saturday:
-
Firozpur: 54.5 mm
-
Moga: 32 mm
-
Pathankot: 7 mm
Several other districts experienced overcast skies and mild drizzles.
This rainfall helped reduce maximum temperatures across the state by 0.7°C, bringing much-needed respite from the heat. Bathinda, however, remained the hottest at 39.6°C, followed by Amritsar (35.9°C), Ludhiana (35.5°C), and Patiala (35°C).
⚠️ Orange & Yellow Alerts Issued
IMD has issued the following alerts:
-
Orange Alert: Patiala, Sangrur – heavy rainfall likely, risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas.
-
Yellow Alert: Mansa, Barnala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Hoshiarpur, Pathankot.
The weather office has cautioned that some districts may witness very heavy rainfall, exceeding 12 cm in 24 hours. This may lead to waterlogging, traffic disruption, and potential damage to standing crops in agricultural zones.
🚨 Dams Witness Rising Water Levels
Thanks to increased rainfall across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, key reservoirs are witnessing encouraging inflows:
-
Pong Dam: Current water level at 1295.53 ft, 94.5 ft below max. Inflow raised water level by 2.58 ft recently.
-
Pandoh Dam: Standing at 2922.17 ft, with inflow of 21,679 cusecs and outflow of 14,607 cusecs.
-
Bhakra Dam: Water level at 1567.62 ft, 112.38 ft below max. Inflow stands at 42,249 cusecs.
-
Ranjit Sagar Dam: Current level is 505.42 meters, with outflow at 11,992 cusecs.
These rising levels will help stabilize irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation in the coming months.
🌦️ Punjab City-Wise Weather Forecast
-
Amritsar: Cloudy skies with rain expected. Temperatures between 28-30°C.
-
Jalandhar: Light to moderate rain likely. Temperature range 28-31°C.
-
Ludhiana: Cloudy skies with chances of rain. Temperature between 26-32°C.
-
Patiala: Rain likely. Temperatures expected to be 27-32°C.
-
Mohali: Thunderstorms likely. Temperature may vary from 24-32°C.
🧠 Expert Insights
Meteorologists suggest that frequent spells of medium to heavy rainfall are likely to continue till at least July 6, driven by favorable low-pressure systems over North India. Farmers and local authorities are advised to ensure drainage readiness and monitor crop conditions.
Additionally, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority is coordinating with district administrations to prepare for possible emergency evacuations, especially in low-lying urban belts.
🙏 Public Advisory
Residents of the alert-affected districts are advised to:
-
Avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours.
-
Ensure electricity connections in flooded areas are turned off.
-
Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
-
Farmers should avoid working in open fields during thunderstorms.
-
Do not cross overflowing drains or bridges.
📢 Conclusion
Punjab’s early and intense monsoon has brought both relief and risk. While dam levels rise and temperatures fall, heavy rain poses challenges in urban flooding, crop protection, and public mobility. As the state braces for another week of showers, preparedness and timely updates from IMD will be key to minimizing disruption.
