Chandigarh, Jan 23 (UNI) Persistent rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds continued to affect large parts of Punjab, Haryana, and the Tricity region on Friday, disrupting routine life and impacting Republic Day preparations in several districts.
According to a nowcast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh, light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and winds of 30-40 kmph was expected to continue over Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and adjoining areas for a few hours.
In isolated pockets, wind speeds intensified to around 60 kmph, accompanied by lightning and occasional hail.
Moderate thunderstorm activity was reported from areas including Patiala, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, and parts of Mohali.
Similar weather conditions were forecast across several districts of central and northern Punjab, such as Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna, Rup Nagar, Anandpur Sahib, and Nangal. Light rainfall was also recorded across many parts of the Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions.
IMD rainfall data showed Gurdaspur received the highest precipitation in Punjab over the past 24 hours, followed by Pathankot and Amritsar. In Haryana, rainfall remained comparatively lower, with Bhiwani, Ambala, and Chandigarh recording the highest figures.
Weather officials said the current spell is linked to an active western disturbance, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan, which has intensified its impact.
A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 26, potentially bringing further changes in weather conditions.
IMD Director Surender Pal Singh said most areas could receive rainfall on January 23, with isolated showers expected on January 24 and 26. Rain is again likely at some places on January 27 and 28.
He added that minimum temperatures may rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, followed by a similar drop thereafter, before temperatures begin to increase again.
Despite the rain, minimum temperatures rose sharply across both states. Punjab recorded night temperatures well above normal, while Haryana also saw a noticeable increase, though Narnaul remained the coldest location in the state.
The adverse weather disrupted Republic Day preparations, leading to the cancellation of dress rehearsals in several districts. In Sangrur, the district administration confirmed that Friday’s rehearsal was called off due to continuous rainfall.
Meanwhile, airlines were also impacted. IndiGo issued a travel advisory stating that bad weather over Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, and Chandigarh had affected flight schedules. Passengers were advised to check flight status through the airline’s website or mobile application.
The IMD also issued a fresh rain alert across Punjab, warning of moderate rainfall in 29 towns and light rainfall in 53 cities and surrounding areas over the next few hours. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious amid changing weather conditions.
