Heavy rain hits Punjab, drizzle persists in Chandigarh; IMD issues orange alert
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh/Mohali, March 29, 2026: A sudden shift in weather has brought intermittent rains across Punjab and its capital Chandigarh since Sunday morning, triggered by an active Western Disturbance. Drizzle has continued in Chandigarh, while districts including Mohali, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar have witnessed sporadic showers accompanied by gusty winds and cloudy skies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the Tricity—Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—through March 30, warning of strong winds blowing at 40 to 50 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 60 kmph. The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur.
The sudden drop in temperature by 2 to 4 degrees, along with persistent cloud cover, has caused concern among farmers as the wheat crop nears ripening. Authorities have advised farmers to temporarily avoid watering crops or spraying pesticides until the weather stabilizes.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain and strong winds and remain alert to weather updates from the IMD.