Punjab, Chandigarh brace for 5 days of rain; IMD issues yellow and orange alerts
Babshahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 3, 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Punjab and Chandigarh over the next five days, with yellow and orange alerts issued for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rain.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, a yellow alert has been issued for July 3 and 4, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph in several parts of Punjab and Chandigarh.
An orange alert has been issued for July 5 to July 8, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds likely to affect many districts during this period.
Several parts of Punjab received rainfall over the past 24 hours, bringing relief from humid conditions and lowering temperatures across the state. The IMD said the monsoon is expected to remain active, with intermittent rain likely to continue over the coming days.
The southwest monsoon reached Punjab and Chandigarh on July 1, arriving nine days later than usual in Punjab and seven days later than normal in Chandigarh, according to the weather department.
The recent rainfall has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures. The state’s average maximum temperature is currently around 2.5°C below normal, while the minimum temperature has fallen by approximately 3.4°C below normal.
Among major weather observations, Rupnagar (Ropar) recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 35.2°C, while Bathinda registered the lowest minimum temperature at 20.8°C.
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert during periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, and to follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.