Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula are set to see a marked change in weather as an intense western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of January 21, bringing a fresh spell of light to moderate rainfall to the Tricity region between January 22 and 24.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the wet spell is very likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds blowing at 30 to 40 kmph at isolated places, a combination that could further intensify cold wave conditions across the region.

According to the forecast, light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on January 22, followed by rainfall at a few places on January 23 and 24. Minimum temperatures are expected to show no large change over the next three days, after which they are likely to rise by around 2 to 3°C.

The change comes after Tricity enjoyed another clear, bright and sunny day on Monday, with day temperatures soaring well above normal. Chandigarh recorded Punjab’s highest maximum temperature of 24.6°C, which was 1.2 degrees higher than Sunday and a striking 6.2 degrees above normal. In Haryana, only Gurugram and Palwal were warmer at 25.4°C, while Faridabad matched Chandigarh at 24.6°C.

Despite the warm afternoons, nights remained relatively cold. Chandigarh’s minimum temperature stood at 6°C, marginally higher by 0.5 degree compared to the previous night but still 1.4 degrees below normal, underlining the sharp day-night contrast prevailing over the region.

Chandigarh also continued to remain warmer than several popular hill stations. While the city recorded a maximum of 24.6°C, Shimla reported 15 degrees, Manali 13.4 degrees, Kufri 8.9 degrees and Srinagar 13.7 degrees. Even at night, Chandigarh stayed warmer, with its minimum of 6 degrees Celsius higher than Shimla’s 3.4 degrees, Manali’s 2.9 degrees, Kufri’s 1.8 degrees and Srinagar’s minus 1.2 degrees.

IMD observations over the past 24 hours showed dry weather across Punjab and Haryana, though dense to very dense fog was reported at isolated places, along with cold wave conditions in parts of Punjab. In Chandigarh, mist and haze were observed during morning and evening hours, while winds remained calm through the day. Relative humidity levels in the city ranged from a high of about 89 per cent to a low of around 34 per cent.

The weather office has also issued a yellow alert for dense fog at isolated places over Tricity region for another two days, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Dense fog may lead to poor visibility, affecting road, rail and air traffic, and residents have been advised to exercise caution while travelling, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

With rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds forecast later this week, the IMD has advised people to avoid venturing outdoors during stormy conditions and not to take shelter under trees during lightning or strong winds.