Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh:
Winds likely to blow at 40–50 kmph with thunderstorms and light rain expected in several districts
Weather conditions have taken a sudden turn across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Since Saturday night, several areas have witnessed cloudy skies accompanied by strong winds. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for March 15, warning of thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hailstorms in parts of the region. Wind speeds during this period are expected to reach 40 to 50 kmph, which may impact several districts.
The department has issued a warning of thunder, lightning and strong winds until 9:45 am. During this time, weather conditions may remain mildly affected in areas including Sardulgarh, Budhlada, Lehra, Mansa, Sunam, Sangrur, Barnala, Tapa, Dhuri, Malerkotla, Moonak, Patran, Samana, Patiala, Nabha, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib, Amloh, Mohali, Talwandi Sabo, Mallgarh, Bathlana, Phaphra Bhaike, Rampura Phul, Jaito and Muktsar.
In addition, weather activity is expected to be more prominent in Jalalabad, Bassi Pathana, Khanna, Payal, Chandigarh, Kharar, Khamanon, Ludhiana (East), Chamkaur Sahib, Samrala, Bagha Purana, Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur, Zira, Shahkot, Patti, Sultanpur Lodhi, Tarn Taran, Khadoor Sahib, Nihal Singh Wala, Raikot, Jagraon, Ludhiana (West), Phillaur, Nakodar, Kapurthala, Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Batala, Ajnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur and Pathankot.
According to the Meteorological Department, hailstorms may occur in parts of nine districts today. Strong winds and lightning are likely in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Barnala and Sangrur. Some places may also experience light hail, prompting authorities to advise farmers and residents to remain cautious.
Meanwhile, winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph are expected in Tarn Taran, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Ferozepur and Moga. Thunderstorms and lightning may also accompany these winds. Light rain is expected in areas from Pathankot to Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib, while intermittent drizzle may occur in regions such as Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Sangrur.
The Meteorological Department stated that strong upper-level winds are currently flowing across North India, with speeds reaching up to 200 kmph. At present, an active western disturbance is influencing the region’s weather. Another western disturbance is expected to arrive on the night of March 17, which may bring further changes in weather conditions.
According to Surinder Pal Singh, Director of the Meteorological Department, Punjab is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the coming week. Temperatures may remain warm for the next 24 hours, but a drop of around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius is expected over the following five days, bringing some relief and cooler conditions.