Heavy rain alert issued for Punjab, Chandigarh as IMD warns of critical next 48 hours

Heavy rain alert issued for Punjab, Chandigarh as IMD warns of critical next 48 hours

Mohali (Punjab), July 8, 2026:

After a delayed start to the monsoon, the weather is set to change across Punjab and Chandigarh, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall over the next 48 hours. A Yellow Alert has been issued for July 8 and 9, warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of the state.

The prolonged dry spell despite the onset of the monsoon has led to soaring humidity and uncomfortable weather conditions across Punjab. On Tuesday, the state’s maximum temperature rose by 1.3 degrees Celsius, with Faridkot recording the highest temperature at 42.4°C.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Chandigarh, rainfall is expected in 21 districts of Punjab on Wednesday. Six districts—Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Mohali—are likely to receive heavy rainfall at one or two places, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is forecast at many places in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Barnala, Sangrur and Patiala.

Scattered light to moderate showers are also expected at a few places in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga and Bathinda.

The weather department has also predicted cloudy skies across most parts of Punjab during the period, offering some relief from the intense heat while raising the possibility of localized waterlogging in low-lying areas if heavy rain occurs.

Residents have been advised to stay updated with official weather advisories and exercise caution while travelling during periods of heavy rainfall.