Mohali/Chandigarh: March 12, 2026
Punjab and Chandigarh gripped by early March heat. Intense sunlight pushing temperatures 5.8°C above normal, causing discomfort. IMD forecasts relief ahead amid mostly dry weather today with partial clouding in spots. Bhakra Dam area hit highest at 34.5°C—unusually high for March.
Major change from March 14. IMD predicts light rain and winds 30-40 kmph across Punjab March 14-16. Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar see thunderstorms/rain on 14th; Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali on 15th—temps drop 2-4°C.
Experts urge farmers: Irrigate wheat, mustard, potato crops to retain moisture. IMD Director Surender Paul: Dry spell resumes post-March 17. Chandigarh sees budding trees signaling shift.