Punjab, Haryana Rains: Thunderstorms Disrupt Life, Republic Day Rehearsals Cancelled
Punjab and Haryana continued to witness widespread rain on Friday.
The weather disruption affected daily life across several districts.
Moreover, thunderstorms and gusty winds worsened the situation.
According to the India Meteorological Department, unsettled conditions may persist.
As a result, authorities cancelled Republic Day dress rehearsals in many areas.
The Tricity region also remained under close weather watch.
IMD Nowcast Warns of Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
As per the latest IMD forecast, rain activity remained intense.
Light to moderate rain affected the Tricity region.
This includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Moreover, thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph continued.
IMD warned that these conditions may last several hours.
Residents were advised to remain cautious.
Moderate thunderstorms with winds reaching 60 kmph were also reported.
Additionally, hail and lightning activity increased risks in parts of Punjab.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Punjab Districts
Rainfall data showed significant variation across Punjab.
Gurdaspur recorded the highest rainfall at 48.7 mm in 24 hours.
Pathankot followed with 34.2 mm, while Amritsar recorded 25.2 mm.
Light rain also covered central and eastern districts.
These included Sangrur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Hoshiarpur.
Meanwhile, rural areas experienced waterlogging in low-lying zones.
IMD linked the rainfall to a western disturbance.
The system appeared as a trough in upper tropospheric westerlies.
Additionally, a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan strengthened the impact.
More Rain Expected Till January 28
Weather officials warned of continued rain activity.
A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 26.
Therefore, Punjab may see light to moderate rain until January 28.
Despite persistent rainfall, minimum temperatures increased sharply.
On Friday, Punjab’s minimum temperature rose by 6.7 degrees Celsius.
It remained markedly above normal by over six degrees.
The lowest minimum temperature in Punjab stood at 8.5 degrees Celsius.
This marked a noticeable rise compared to the previous day.
Haryana Sees Lighter Rain but Rising Temperatures
In Haryana, rainfall intensity remained comparatively lower.
Bhiwani recorded the highest rainfall at 15 mm.
Ambala followed with 14.5 mm, while Chandigarh recorded 13.2 mm.
However, minimum temperatures rose significantly across the state.
The average minimum temperature increased by 6.6 degrees Celsius.
It stayed appreciably above normal by nearly five degrees.
Narnaul recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Haryana.
IMD forecast moderate rain for central districts.
Light rain may affect southern and western Haryana areas.
Republic Day Dress Rehearsals Cancelled
The inclement weather disrupted Republic Day preparations.
Several districts cancelled scheduled dress rehearsals.
In Sangrur, the district administration called off Friday’s rehearsal.
Officials cited safety concerns due to rain and slippery grounds.
Authorities may reschedule events depending on weather improvement.
Meanwhile, security arrangements remain in place.
Weather Advisory and Public Caution
IMD advised residents to avoid open areas during lightning.
People were urged to secure loose objects due to strong winds.
Farmers were also advised to protect harvested crops.
As weather conditions evolve, further updates are expected.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.