Chandigarh, May 28 : The weather pattern in Punjab and Chandigarh is going to change completely from today. According to the Meteorological Center, Chandigarh, due to the activation of a fresh Western Disturbance, there is a possibility of strong winds, thundershowers, rain and hailstorm in the area for the next three days.
Director of the Meteorological Department Surendra Pal said that today and tomorrow (May 29) 51% to 75% of Chandigarh and Punjab may receive heavy rain with thunder and lightning. During this, there will be a strong thunderstorm with a speed of 60 to 70 km per hour, the speed of which can increase to 80 km. On May 30 too, winds will blow at a speed of 50-60 km. Many areas including Mohali have been covered with dark clouds since this morning and cold winds are blowing.
Record heat and power demand Just before the weather change, the temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees in the last 24 hours, which is 4.1 degrees Celsius above normal. The highest temperature in Punjab was recorded at 46 degrees in Faridkot and 43.1 degrees in Chandigarh. Due to this scorching heat, the power demand in Punjab reached 12,178 MW on Wednesday. To meet this demand, the state took 6,586 MW of power from the central grid, while the state’s total production remained at 5,565 MW. The impact of heatwave can be seen in some limited places today as well.
Health Minister issues special advisory in view of the heat wave, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has appealed to the people to step out of their homes only when absolutely necessary between 12 noon and 3 pm, when the sun is at its most dangerous. He has asked children, the elderly and pregnant women to be especially careful.
Along with this, instructions have been given to ensure provision of clean drinking water and shady places for workers working in the open air. It has been advised to avoid drinking tea, coffee, alcohol and cold drinks containing a lot of sugar during the summer to avoid dehydration.
Monsoon situation On the other hand, the southwest monsoon is advancing rapidly. It has reached many parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. Conditions are fully favourable for its further advance in the next 2-3 days.
