After a long wait, the Southwest Monsoon has finally arrived in Punjab. It entered the state through Pathankot district, which borders Himachal Pradesh. Monsoon activity has also commenced in Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, and surrounding areas in northeastern Punjab. The Meteorological Department forecasts that if current conditions remain favorable, the monsoon will cover the entire state within the next two to three days.
Dr. Pavneet Kingra, Head of the Department of Agricultural Meteorology at Punjab Agricultural University, stated that the monsoon has arrived on schedule this year. She noted that the monsoon’s progress is currently favorable and it is likely to advance rapidly. This will lead to increased rainfall across most districts, providing relief from humidity and scorching heat. According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain is expected in various parts of Punjab in the coming days. Some areas may experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h. Consequently, a ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for several districts.
**Higher Rainfall Expected in Areas Bordering Himachal**
According to the India Meteorological Department’s district-wise warnings, there is a likelihood of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in several districts of northern and central Punjab from July 1 to July 5. Meanwhile, districts bordering Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive relatively higher rainfall in some areas. No specific warning has been issued for most districts in southwestern Punjab for now, although monsoon activity may increase there as well in the coming days.
The arrival of the monsoon is also considered good news for the agricultural sector. Paddy transplantation is expected to gain momentum, and Kharif crops are likely to receive adequate moisture. This will reduce reliance on irrigation and provide relief to farmers. Weather Department Issues Caution
Meteorologists have urged people to avoid standing in open areas or beneath trees and electricity poles during thunderstorms and lightning. They have also advised exercising caution during strong winds.
The Meteorological Department states that the progress of the monsoon is being closely monitored. If favorable conditions persist, the entire state of Punjab is expected to receive monsoon rainfall within the next two to three days, significantly reducing the impact of the heat.
