Saturday, March 29, 2025
Mohali/Chandigarh | March 19, 2026
The weather in Punjab and Chandigarh has taken an abrupt turn once again. Snowfall in the mountains combined with intermittent rain in the plains has brought back a January-like chill in the middle of March. The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorms, rain, and hailstorms across several parts of the region for the next two days.
Over the last 24 hours, the average temperature in Punjab has plummeted by 3.5°C, which is approximately 4.1°C below the seasonal normal.
Amritsar is the Coldest: The maximum temperature in Amritsar was recorded at just 19.4°C, a staggering 5.8°C below normal.
Other Cities: Pathankot recorded 22.7°C, Ferozepur 23.0°C, and Rupnagar 24.8°C.
According to Surender Paul, Director of the Meteorological Department, the next 24 to 48 hours are critical due to a weather system over Rajasthan combined with a Western Disturbance:
Strong Winds: Gusts reaching speeds of 30 to 50 km/h are expected in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, and Rupnagar.
Widespread Impact: Rain is likely across approximately 19 districts of Punjab.
Hailstorm: Specific areas are under a hailstorm warning, which has raised significant concerns regarding the standing wheat crop that is nearing maturity.
Meteorologists state that a weather system currently active over Rajasthan is moving towards the western region. The combination of high-altitude winds and a Western Disturbance has created cloud cover and instability across North India. Temperatures are expected to drop by another 5°C to 7°C over the next two days, though the skies are predicted to clear and temperatures will rise thereafter.
