CHANDIGARH, June 28: After days of dry weather despite the official onset of monsoon on June 24, residents of Chandigarh can finally expect rainfall in the next two to three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Friday.
According to IMD Chandigarh director Surender Paul, the subdued rainfall so far has been due to weakening of monsoon winds and cloud systems as they approached the city. “By the time monsoon currents reached this region, they had lost much of their intensity,” Paul explained.
However, a shift in weather dynamics is on the horizon. “A new system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around Sunday, which will help strengthen the monsoon. Additionally, a Western Disturbance is expected to impact the region around the same time. So, the likelihood of rain increases significantly starting Sunday,” Paul said.
In the absence of rain, temperatures have remained above normal. The maximum temperature on Friday rose to 37.2°C, up from 36.6°C on Thursday—one degree above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature also climbed from 26.8°C to 29.2°C, which is 2.6 degrees above normal.
For the next three days, the city is expected to experience slightly cooler conditions with maximum temperatures ranging between 32°C and 34°C, and minimum temperatures between 26°C and 28°C.
The anticipated rainfall could bring much-needed relief from the ongoing heat and mark the true arrival of the monsoon season in the region.
