Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to witness unsettled weather on Thursday, October 15, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and possible hailstorms. An orange alert has been issued for Thursday, followed by a yellow alert on Friday, as an active western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu is expected to trigger rain across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Conditions are forecast to improve thereafter, with dry weather expected to return.
Despite the weather warning issued earlier, Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula remained dry on Wednesday, with bright sunshine throughout the day. The anticipated spell of rain and hail could pose a challenge for farmers, as harvested paddy is lying in the open at grain markets and some farmers are still harvesting their rice crop. The IMD has warned that rain and hail could damage harvested produce as well as standing crops, while also affecting transport and municipal services.
